Jets ‘Make Aaron Rodgers Decision’ After Firing GM Joe Douglas Amid Miserable Season
In a stunning turn of events, the New York Jets have reportedly decided to part ways with General Manager Joe Douglas, marking a dramatic shakeup amid what has been a nightmare season for the franchise. Just days after Douglas’s dismissal, reports have surfaced indicating that the team is at a crossroads regarding the future of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who remains sidelined due to his Achilles injury sustained early in the season.
Joe Douglas Out: A Fall Guy for a Lost Season?
The Jets entered the 2024 NFL season with sky-high expectations following the blockbuster trade for Rodgers during the offseason. However, the team’s 3-7 record, marred by inconsistent play, questionable roster construction, and an inability to adapt in Rodgers’ absence, led to mounting frustration from ownership. Sources within the organization claim that owner Woody Johnson, known for his impatience, saw Douglas as the primary scapegoat for the team’s failures.
Douglas, who was hired in 2019, had been instrumental in reshaping the Jets’ roster, but his inability to secure a competent backup quarterback in case of Rodgers’ injury has been heavily criticized. Zach Wilson, the much-maligned former No. 2 overall pick, has struggled to lead the offense, and attempts to bring in reinforcements like Trevor Siemian have proven ineffective.
“Joe Douglas made some bold moves, but ultimately, he gambled everything on Rodgers staying healthy. That backfired spectacularly,” one insider said.
The Aaron Rodgers Question
As the team looks to rebuild after this disastrous season, the focus has shifted to Rodgers, who has been vocal about his desire to return this season despite his injury. The 40-year-old quarterback has recently begun light on-field workouts, fueling speculation that he could play before the season ends. However, some within the organization reportedly believe that rushing him back in a lost season would do more harm than good.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who is rumored to be on the hot seat as well, has publicly supported Rodgers’ recovery efforts. “Aaron is a competitor, and his presence alone lifts this team. If he says he’s ready to go, we’ll listen,” Saleh told reporters last week.
But behind closed doors, there are doubts about whether Rodgers will ever play at the elite level the Jets expected when they traded for him. Some team executives are reportedly lobbying to move on from Rodgers entirely and start fresh with a younger quarterback in next year’s draft.
Controversial Scenarios on the Table
According to league sources, the Jets’ leadership is divided into two camps. One faction, spearheaded by Saleh, believes the team should stick with Rodgers, regardless of the risks, and try to rebuild around him for the 2025 season. The other faction, reportedly influenced by Johnson, is considering cutting ties with Rodgers entirely.
While releasing or trading Rodgers would carry significant financial implications, some believe it’s a necessary move to reset the franchise. “If they fire Saleh, and then bring in a new GM and coach, they might not want to hitch their wagon to a 40-year-old quarterback coming off a major injury,” one NFL executive speculated.
Adding fuel to the fire, Rodgers himself has reportedly expressed frustration with the Jets’ handling of the season. Though he has publicly backed Saleh and the coaching staff, insiders claim Rodgers was unhappy with the team’s failure to bring in offensive reinforcements after his injury.
Fans Divided
The moves—or lack thereof—by the Jets’ front office have left fans bitterly divided. Many have taken to social media to vent their frustrations, with some blaming the Rodgers trade for derailing the team’s long-term rebuild. Others argue that firing Douglas is merely window dressing for a deeper problem within the organization.
“The Jets are the NFL’s perpetual circus,” one frustrated fan wrote on Twitter. “Douglas gone, Rodgers next. It’s always chaos with this team.”
On the other hand, some fans still believe Rodgers is the key to the Jets’ success. “We’ve waited decades for a quarterback like Rodgers,” another fan tweeted. “Give him the time to heal, build the line, and we’ll be contenders again.”
What Comes Next?
The Jets now find themselves in a precarious position as they head into the offseason. They will need to hire a new GM, possibly a new head coach, and decide whether to build around Rodgers or hit the reset button.
For a franchise that has not tasted meaningful success in over a decade, the stakes couldn’t be higher. One wrong move could send the Jets into yet another prolonged rebuild, while the right decision could finally lift the team out of mediocrity.
As one NFL analyst put it, “The Jets wanted to go all-in with Rodgers. Now they’re stuck deciding whether to double down or fold their hand entirely.”
One thing is certain: the eyes of the NFL will be firmly fixed on New York as this drama continues to unfold.
