"Poverty franchise": NFL fans have their say as Aaron Rodgers remains top choice for Jets HC after Seahawks loss

The New York Jets' (3-9) season, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, has seemingly hit rock bottom. Their 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks (7-5) on Sunday marked another losing chapter in a year plagued by organizational turmoil and on-field disappointment.

Rodgers and the Jets have been a study in frustration. After a 2-2 start, the team collapsed and has lost eight of its last nine games, securing a ninth consecutive losing season. On Sunday's matchup, the quarterback mustered just 185 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His season stats tell a bleak story: 2,627 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

However, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich remains steadfast about Aaron Rodgers, telling reporters on Monday:

"He’s our quarterback."

With conversations emerging about how the QB should be benched this season and let go of in the following campaign, the financial implications are equally complex. ESPN reports a potential $49 million dead cap charge if Aaron Rodgers is cut in 2025. This massive hit could be spread over two years: $14 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026.

If Rodgers returns in 2025, the Jets face another challenge. They'd need to pay a $35 million option bonus by the first regular-season game, plus a $2.5 million base salary. More critically, this would balloon the dead charge to $63 million in 2026.

So, Ulbrich's comment set in motion a flood of raw emotion of a fanbase pushed to the brink:

"Poverty franchise," a fan wrote.

"Can't wait for both of these clowns to be gone," another fan said.

"He's the worst coach I ever seen." A fan wrote.

Ian Rapoport reported last week that the quarterback "resisted" getting injury scans, implicating that he might still be injured, which would explain his down-spiralling performance. In the same press conference on Monday, when Ulbrich was asked what gave him confidence in Aaron Rodgers despite his statistical decline, the coach said:

"Injury has a lot to do with what his numbers are this season. … We believe, as he gets healthier and his mobility starts to improve, you're going to see a better and better version of him.”

On this note, fans continued to voice their frustration:

"Who cares fans don't want to see a better version of him at this point. If he was hurt why was he playing?" A fan questioned.

"When will we see a better version of coaching?" Another fan chimed in.

"Zero point of changing now. The future isn't on roster, and they might be stuck with A Rod next season." A fan noted.

However, some fans lauded the coach for his optimism and belief in his QB.

"Thank You for believing when it’s hardest to." A fan wrote.

"A great birthday gift. But lets gets some wins now." Another fan said.

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Aaron Rodgers' team's uncertain coaching future

NFL: Seattle Seahawks at New York Jets -- Player: Aaron Rodgers (Image Source: Imagn)

Jets' former coach Robert Saleh was fired in October because of a poor start to the season, and some think Aaron Rodgers may have influenced that decision, although he has publically called those allegations "patently false." In November, general manager Joe Douglas was also fired, leaving the team short-handed.

The Jets have engaged external consultants Mike Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman to guide their general manager and head coaching searches. As per ESPN, Aaron Rodgers himself remains diplomatically detached, stating he's "always available if my opinion is wanted."

Cornerback Sauce Gardner offered a poignant perspective on the recent leadership changes, as per ESPN:

"I've never seen people getting fired, so I'm new to this, especially when it's some people that have put millions of dollars in my pocket for me to change my life and my family's lives."

The team's offensive struggles are stark. They average an NFL-worst 15.5 yards on their first drive. Over the last five seasons, only the 2023 Jets (14.7) and 2021 Tennessee Titans (15.4) have performed worse.

With multiple leadership positions in flux and financial constraints mounting, the Jets stand at a critical organizational crossroads.