Jets Prepare for Major Changes Following Rodgers Departure

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets are poised for a significant overhaul following the official departure of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who played just one full season for the team. Reports have emerged that the Jets are likely to release wide receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, further signaling a shift in the team’s direction.

The trade for Rodgers in 2023 had a monumental impact on the Jets’ roster, resulting in an accumulation of talent that proved to be costly. Jets owner Woody Johnson spent over $111 million on the four key players involved in this transaction, including Rodgers, Adams, Lazard, and Randall Cobb, who retired last summer. These players collectively made only 66 appearances, and after a disappointing 12-22 record during the Rodgers era, changes have become imperative.

Financially, the Jets are facing a daunting salary cap outlook, with approximately $64 million in dead money related to the contracts of Rodgers, Adams, and Lazard. The team is expected to designate Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut, allowing them to spread his $49 million dead charge over two years, including a staggering $35 million impact in 2026.

Adams, whose future was closely tied to Rodgers’, is also likely to be released due to a prohibitive $38.3 million cap hit for 2025, and without guaranteed money, he may favor free agency. “I came here with the hopes that I wouldn’t have to find a new home, so it’s kind of bittersweet,” Adams said. “It’s cool to be able to control where you go, but I’ve done that [while] still under contract.”

Lazard’s future is similarly in doubt, having failed to justify his $13.2 million cap charge after only recording 60 catches across two years with the Jets. His underwhelming performance and struggles in high-pressure situations have not made a convincing case for his retention.

Without Adams and Lazard, the Jets will look to address their receiver depth, which would primarily depend on Garrett Wilson, who was the Jets’ leading receiver last season with 854 yards. If the Jets do part ways with their veteran receivers, they might explore options in both free agency and the draft to rebuild their receiving corps.

In the offseason, the Jets are facing similar uncertainties as they did back in 2017, when they were left with no established quarterback. Completing this transition will be vital for head coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey as they aim to construct a competitive roster.

The 2025 quarterback conversation begins with speculation, and talent like Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is reportedly catching attention from the Jets’ front office. Senior football adviser Rick Spielman praised Dart, noting his strong arm and leadership potential during the Senior Bowl. The Jets currently hold the seventh overall pick and must navigate carefully to secure a new franchise signal-caller.

As the team prepares for these drastic changes, the impact on both the roster and fan sentiment remains to be seen. The path forward requires strategic maneuvers to rebuild a team that can contend in a competitive AFC East.