Aaron Rodgers points to financial implications in the $23,500,000 contract as questions arise over throwing in the towel

The disappointing season of Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets resulted in a house-cleaning. Head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas have already been fired, and many reports are pointing out to Rodgers also leaving the team after the season.

Speaking on his weekly appearance at Pat McAfee's show on Tuesday, the quarterback did not try to hide his disappointment with how the season unraveled. He pointed out many close games that the Jets were not able to finish:

“I just want to finish off as well as we can. It’s been a rough season. Lot of opportunities to win games that we didn’t get the job done in the fourth quarter. Some of those games were won and lost in the first, second and third quarter, if you go back to some of the important impact plays which was the case on Sunday. When you have a chance to win the fourth quarter and you come up short it’s always a little extra disappointing.

Another part of the discussion has been whether to shut him down for the season, with a playoff appearance no longer possible. Rodgers, however, made his feelings clear: as long as he's healthy, he wants to play.

“We get paid for 17 weeks, not 10, not 11, not five. If you’re the starter you want to play all the games. You want to be out there with my guys and battle as long as I feel healthy. Body feels as good as it felt, whether fortunately or unfortunately for the situation. I want to battle. I have a lot of pride in playing."

Unless he retires, Rodgers is owed $23.5 million as part of the restructured three-year deal he signed with the franchise.

Remaining games for Aaron Rodgers, Jets in the 2024 season

The veteran quarterback and the team still have five games left on their schedule. The Jets are 3-9 and in the middle of a three-game losing streak.

They'll play the Miami Dolphins in Week 14 and the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15, both away games. In Week 16, they'll host the Los Angeles Rams, and a week later, they'll travel to play the Buffalo Bills.

The final game of the 2024 season will be at home against the Miami Dolphins.