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Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers despatched a powerful message Wednesday to group possession — and maybe potential future employers.
Despite his struggles, Rodgers mentioned he has nothing to show over the ultimate 5 video games, inferring that his profession accomplishments ought to supersede his efficiency down the stretch. The four-time MVP mentioned it will be “ridiculous” to make a participant together with his resume audition for subsequent season.
“If they need me to remain, improbable,” the four-time MVP mentioned. “If it takes these 5 video games, possibly they do not know what I deliver to the desk. But that being mentioned, I’d like to play actually frigging nicely the final 5 video games.”
One supply mentioned not too long ago that he’d he “shocked” if proprietor Woody Johnson indicators off on one other season of Rodgers, who’s having one of many worst statistical seasons of his profession. The NFL Network reported that Rodgers will want a powerful end to have an opportunity at returning subsequent season.
The Rodgers-Johnson relationship has come below the highlight not too long ago with experiences that Johnson, in a gathering with group officers and coaches, recommended benching Rodgers in Week 5.
On Wednesday, Rodgers made a cryptic remark about Johnson relating to the in-season firings of coach Robert Saleh and normal supervisor Joe Douglas. It got here in response to a dialogue Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
During his weekly look on the present, Rodgers — generally phrases — confused the significance of possession remaining publicly supportive of group officers throughout powerful instances. He used the Detroit Lions for example of a franchise that did that and has flourished.
In his weekly information convention Wednesday, Rodgers was requested particularly about whether or not Johnson has been publicly supportive.
“Is {that a} rhetorical query?” he mentioned. “Like I mentioned, I cited an instance that I’ve seen. There had been in all probability examples over time in Green Bay … however I feel it is an necessary a part of possession to rent the appropriate guys, set the imaginative and prescient, after which help them when the surface world is making an attempt to tear them down.”
Pressed on the query of Johnson’s help, Rodgers mentioned, “I imply, I’d should look. I do not observe a number of stuff. I’d should ask you guys. Has there been a number of public feedback? Supportive feedback?”
The Saleh and Douglas firings had been talked about to him.
“Yeah, so there’s your reply,” Rodgers mentioned.
To be truthful, Johnson did give Saleh and Douglas a public vote of confidence final Christmas Eve, pledging his help for 2024. Rodgers was on injured reserve on the time, recovering from Achilles surgical procedure. With a heathy Rodgers this season, the Jets acquired off to a 2-3 begin, prompting Johnson to fireplace Saleh. Since then, they’re 1-6. Douglas was fired on Nov. 19.
The Jets could have a brand new GM and coach in 2025, and they are going to be entrusted with deciding Rodgers’ destiny. Johnson, too, could have important enter.
Rodgers, who turned 41 on Monday, has mentioned he is undecided on whether or not to play subsequent season. He’s below contract for 2025, however none of his compensation ($37.5 million) is assured. If he decides to play, his “first choice” is the Jets, he has mentioned.
Rodgers, who acquired a vote of confidence Monday from interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, mentioned his objective is to begin each sport and play nicely. Regarding the longer term, he mentioned, “I’d wish to really feel like I’m needed. If not, I will not be offended. I will not be upset. I’ll be so grateful both manner.
“I’ve to be wholesome mentally, bodily, after which there’s acquired to be curiosity on either side. And if that is not the case, then I’ll take a look at different choices, however first I’ll take into consideration whether or not I truly need a play or not. It normally takes a very good month to get away from it, which I’ll do the primary month, after which see what occurs.”
The Jets (3-9) shall be formally eradicated in the event that they lose Sunday to the Miami Dolphins (5-7). It would prolong their playoff drought to 14 years, the longest energetic hunch within the league.
Rodgers’ shut pal, vast receiver Davante Adams, addressed his future Wednesday. He was noncommittal on whether or not he shall be again with the Jets.
“That’s an important query and I really do not have the reply to it proper now,” mentioned Adams, acquired in a midseason commerce from the Las Vegas Raiders. “I’d like to be part of this soccer group. … I’d like to go to struggle with these guys, however it’s a enterprise and there are a number of items, contractually, and, clearly, with Aaron’s future — a number of issues that I can not management.”
Adams is below contract by 2026, however his cap cost is $38.3 million in each years. If the 2 sides do not renegotiate, they’ll have little selection however to chop him.
“Hopefully,” he mentioned, “we do sufficient to the place all people’s feeling prefer it’s the appropriate factor to do for us to remain right here.”
