“Disrespect at its finest” - Aaron Rodgers’ former teammate takes issue with Jets’ treatment of 4x NFL MVP

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones voiced strong criticism of the New York Jets’ handling of Aaron Rodgers’ departure during an appearance on FS1’s “The Facility” on Friday. Jones called it “disrespect at its finest,” referencing how Rodgers was reportedly dismissed just seconds into a final meeting with the team.

He stressed that a player of Rodgers’ stature deserved better, regardless of his financial ability to travel for the meeting.

“Yes, he got disrespected. You know, my man got a phone over there … This is a Hall of Fame player, right? This is disrespect at its finest, right? So, Aaron Rodgers, I don't care about him spending his money. My dog got a lot of money.

"He could buy a Southwest ticket, marry whatever, a private jet, whatever. Get there for the meeting, and for you to disrespect this man like that is crazy to me,” Jones said.

The comments follow Rodgers’s Thursday appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where the veteran quarterback recounted the final discussion he had with Jets leadership before being released. According to Rodgers, he paid for his own cross-country travel to attend the meeting, only to be told within moments that the team would be “going in another direction.”

Aaron Rodgers joined the Jets in 2023 but suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just four snaps into his debut. He returned to start in 2024, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 TDs and 11 interceptions. Despite occasional individual highlights, such as breaking the 300-yard mark for the first time in three seasons and reaching his 500th career TD, Rodgers and the Jets finished 5–12.

The Jets announced on Feb. 13 their intention to part ways with Rodgers and officially released him on Mar. 12. The team utilized a post-June 1 designation to spread his $49M cap charge over two years.

Rodgers is currently a free agent. With the NFL draft approaching, his future remains uncertain as teams evaluate QB options and weigh potential signings.

Aaron Rodgers weighs options, prioritizes personal matters over NFL decision

Free agent QB Aaron Rodgers remains undecided on his NFL future, stating he is “open to anything and attached to nothing” during Thursday’s episode of “The Pat McAfee Show.” In his first public comments since January, he cited ongoing personal matters as the reason for delaying a decision on the 2025 season.

Rodgers reportedly acknowledged both retirement and continuing his career as possible options. He confirmed a meeting with the Steelers on Mar. 21 and a subsequent workout with Pittsburgh wide receiver DK Metcalf, describing their interaction as part of his due diligence process.

The Steelers have not set a deadline, and Rodgers indicated money would not be a deciding factor, stating he’s willing to play for $10M annually.

Aaron Rodgers ruled out returning to the Jets, expressing dissatisfaction with his meeting with new leadership. For now, he emphasized his priority remains on personal commitments and that no final football decision has been made.