Aaron Rodgers announcement made by New York Jets coach on quarterback’s birthday

Jeff Ulbrich, the interim head coach of the New York Jets, has doubled down on his support for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, despite the team’s recent 26-21 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.

Ulbrich confirmed on Monday that Rodgers, who was celebrating his 41st birthday, will continue as the starting QB against the Miami Dolphins in Week 14. He explained his decision by saying: “We have great belief in Aaron. We think he gives us the best opportunity to win.”

This season, Rodgers has thrown 262 completions from 419 attempts, racking up 2,627 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, leading the Jets to a disappointing 3-9 record, which places them third in the AFC East. ESPN highlights that the Jets have become the first team in the Super Bowl era to start as favourites in nine out of their first 12 games yet only secure three wins or fewer

Amidst this backdrop, concerns about Rodgers’ performance are mounting. In the game against the Seahawks, while he demonstrated moments of his renowned skill, there were also instances where he seemed a shadow of his former MVP self.

His most glaring error occurred in the second quarter when a pass meant for Garrett Wilson was deflected and intercepted by Leonard Williams, who ran it back 92 yards for a touchdown.

Despite celebrating his 41st Birthday on Monday, Ulbrich is certain Rodgers still has the chops to excel in the NFL, though admitting that this season’s stats have taken a hit from a string of injuries. The four-time MVP’s battled through hamstring, knee, and ankle troubles this season but hasn’t sat out a single game yet.

With the Jets mired in woes, how much leeway Rodgers will get is up in the air; Ulbrich wouldn’t commit to him as the season’s permanent starting QB, simply saying: “He’s our quarterback.”

Even after Sunday’s game, Ulbrich wasn’t swayed into benching his man, declaring to the press, “Not as of today,” when asked if he was considering a change. Rodgers himself hinted he may face the sidelines, remarking: “Yeah, I don’t know. We’ll figure that out when we have those conversations. I’ll have a conversation with [Ulbrich] if that’s what he’s thinking.”

Should the Jets stick with Rodgers next term, they’re looking at a $23.5 million cap hit in 2025 – the last lap of his three-year revised deal. Parting ways isn’t cheap either; it’d saddle them with a colossal $49 million in dead capital, though this could be spread across two seasons: $14 million coming up next year and $35 million in the chute for 2026.

However, the Jets could also label Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut – a move that would only cost $14 million against the cap and even save them $9.5 million in 2025.