Woody Johnson has left the decision making over a potential return for Aaron Rodgers as the New York Jets quarterback open to the incoming football operations staff.

The Jets owner fired head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas midway through a chaotic campaign which saw the AFC East team go from playoff hopefuls prior to the beginning of the 2024 season to arguably the biggest disappointment in the NFL this season.

It had been hoped Rodgers’ return from injury would bring a level of excellence to the Jets offense which was anemic at times under Zach Wilson last season. However, the Jets were plagued by inconsistency in all three phases this season, with it unclear whether or not Rodgers will return for the 2025.

In their final game of the 2024 season, Rodgers led the Jets to a 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins, throwing four touchdowns. The 41-year-old, who could retire, finished the season with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions across 17 games, numbers which show he can still play and start in the NFL.

And while Johnson has meddled plenty in the front office decision making of the franchise this season, noticeably nixing a trade for Jerry Jeudy due to him having a low rating on Madden, the Jets owner is leaving the decision over Rodgers future up to the incoming new head coach and general manager.

“From a numbers standpoint, he did OK, except for the most important number — winning games,” Johnson, who reportedly called for Rodgers benching mid-season, told the New York Post.

Aaron Rodgers reacts after a play

Team owner Woody Johnson suggest Rodgers be benched due to performance ( 

Image:

Getty)

“But that’s going to be up to the coach. The coach will have to decide what the quarterback situation is. That’s going to be a very important job for the general manager and the coach — what do we want and when do we get it and what’s our timeline. Where does Aaron Rodgers fit into that?”

Speaking to FOX Sports’ Pam Oliver after guiding the Jets to a 32-20 win in what could be his final NFL game, Rodgers said: “It was special. Any time you get to get on the field and do something you’ve been loving since you were a kid – it’s special.

“Thankful for the ability to be healthy out here, thankful for the guys that I come to work with every single day, they make it a lot of fun, disappointing season for sure, but it was a fun way to end tonight.

Rodgers added: “I’m going to get home and relax. I’m going to clear out my head and get healthy from the bumps and bruises from the season. I’ve got a lot of gratitude right now.

I’m going enjoy this tonight but once I get back out west, I’ll take my time. I’m not going to hold anybody up. I’m going to have conversations with the everybody here at the Jets and see what they’re thinking and then make a decision before it gets too late here in the off-season.”