Jets – Aaron Rodgers @ About to Retire, Gives Multi-Year Commitment to Jets With Pay Reduction
Jets – Aaron Rodgers @ About to Retire, Gives Multi-Year Commitment to Jets With Pay Reduction
When you sign a quarterback who is about to turn 40, you know it’s not a long-term commitment.
Still, the New York Jets didn’t want Aaron Rodgers to be a one-and-done player, especially after giving up five selections to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for him.
Rodgers’ comments about nearly retiring this offseason must have made the Jets nervous. In an interview with NBC Sports’ Peter King, Rodgers stated that he was ready to retire before embarking on his much-discussed darkness retreat.
“The answer is yes, I needed a change,” Rodgers explained to King. “I thought the change would be retirement.”
During the darkness retreat, Rodgers stated that he was willing to explore returning to the Packers if they were “open arms” about his return. He didn’t receive the message, so he thought about alternative options.
The Jets paid a visit to Rodgers and then traded for him. With Rodgers switching sides, there appears to be increased vigour.
And how did Rodgers demonstrate his commitment to the Jets? By taking a significant pay cut.
Aaron Rodgers Discusses Wage Cut
Rodgers’ new two-year, $75 million fully guaranteed contract includes around $35 million less guaranteed money than he had left on his previous deal with the Packers.
According to Rodgers, the voluntary pay decrease was “the right thing that made me feel the best.”
“I thought it was important that they knew how committed I was,” Rodgers explained to King. “And in my conversations with Joe [Douglas, the Jets’ general manager], he has made it very clear what his vision is for the football team.”
Rodgers stated that his motivation was to allow the Jets to explore options if a difference-maker became available before the trade deadline.
Rodgers is optimistic about the future.
Whatever happens next for Rodgers could have a significant impact on his NFL legacy. He’s a four-time MVP and one of the all-time greats, but he’s yet to win a second Super Bowl. Years of postseason misery in Green Bay would be erased if he led the Jets to their first Super Bowl title since 1968.
Even with a pay cut, Rodgers is still making a lot of money. And he recognises the significance of this chapter in his career.
Rodgers seems thoughtful about the end of his career in a “Hard Knocks” preview.
“I wanted to make sure that if somebody valuable became available, we’d be able to get him,” Rodgers explained to King. “I’m delighted with the contract. “I’m really happy about it.”
Going from being on the cusp of retirement to foregoing a wealth in guaranteed money to assist his new squad is a significant change. Rodgers recognised that the Packers and Rodgers needed to attempt something fresh.
“Look, it’s not their fault,” Rodgers explained to King. “I believe it was time for everyone to get involved.”
Rodgers is looking beyond 2023 for a fresh start. He went from nearly retiring to talking about playing “a few seasons.”
“If I can string together a few seasons of good health, then I don’t want to put a cap on my future,” Rodgers stated. “However, I’m relieved that this isn’t just a one-year experiment.”
