Aaron Rodgers "disappointed" for playing a hand in GM Joe Douglas' firing

When Aaron Rodgers was acquired by the New York Jets in the 2023 offseason, most thought that they would become a competitive team. However, since then, the Jets missed the playoffs last year and are on track to miss them again this season, and have already fired head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.

Making his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Rodgers spoke about how disappointed he was with himself for playing a part in Douglas' firing.

Rodgers said:

"Well, I didn't know I was on a plane about to head back to California, and got a call. I love Joe. You know, I spent a lot of time with Joe, a lot of conversations. He's a fu**ing great man. He's a damn good general manager, and I really enjoyed our conversations."

Rodgers continued:

"I'm disappointed because I had a, you know, a hand in it. I had an opportunity to, you know, to play better and keep keep him here. So I feel, I feel bad about that, because he's a great human. The human aspect of this is tough, because there's families involved with people involved. Joe is such a great dude, and I have so much love and respect for him. I was, I can't say I was fully surprised that."

Douglas, who was signed as the Jets' general manager in 2019 on a six-year contract, previously served as the vice president of player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Could this be Aaron Rodgers' last season as the New York Jets' quarterback?

Aaron Rodgers during New York Jets v Arizona Cardinals (Credits: Getty)

Just over a year ago, it seemd like the New York Jets would be rolling with Aaron Rodgers, alongside the group of players they acquired to support him. Now, however, it seems more likely that Rodgers will be leaving the team, and the Jets may enter another rebuilding stage at the end of this season.

Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, is having one of the worst seasons of his career. When asked if he plans on returning back to the Jets next season amid their struggles, he wasn't fully committed in response.

Rodgers said (per ESPN):

"I think so, yeah."

It will be interesting to see what Aaron Rodgers decides to do this upcoming offseason. Will he return back to the Jets, will he play for a new team, or will he retire?