General manager Joe Douglas’ vision for the New York Jets compelled Aaron Rodgers to take a pay cut of nearly $35 million over the next two years.
“I thought it was important they knew how committed I was,” Rodgers told Peter King of NBC. “And in my conversations with (GM) Joe (Douglas), he has made it very clear the vision for the football team. You probably agree with this. This year, compared to like 2005, the amount of transactions that happen now with guys getting cut and the amount of trades — way more than before. Big names move at the trade deadline now. I wanted to make sure that if somebody valuable came available that we’d be able to get him. I’m very happy with the contract. I feel great about it.”
Rodgers said he considered the reduction in pay “the right thing that made me feel best” which is a stark contrast to his position on contracts with the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers floated retirement or potential trade ideas when his relationship with Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst became acrimonious. Rodgers was bitter, in part, over Green Bay selecting his heir apparent, Jordan Love, in the first round while rarely adding top prospects or free agents at skill positions.
He signed a three-year, $150 million deal with the Packers prior to the 2022 season not long after Green Bay traded away top wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders.
At the time of the trade, Rodgers had $109.7 million guaranteed remaining on that contract. His new deal reportedly pays him $75 million over two seasons.
With the Jets, Rodgers has formed a quick connection with wide receiver Garrett Wilson, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season.
Douglas has kicked the tires on adding another running back to a group that includes Breece Hall, and the team signed a number of players who know Rogers well, including wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.