Aaron Rodgers Cut by the Jets: A Failed Experiment But the Right Move at the Time

The New York Jets have officially moved on from Aaron Rodgers, cutting ties with the future Hall of Famer after just one season—one that never truly got off the ground. While the trade for Rodgers was ultimately a disaster, it was still a move worth making at the time. The Jets took a swing in hopes of bringing in a quarterback who could elevate the franchise, but the plan unraveled almost instantly when Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury just four snaps into the 2023 season opener.

Now, a new era of Jets football begins. Some fans may be disappointed with how the Rodgers era ended, but his departure reinforces an important lesson—sustained success in the NFL isn’t about one player, but about building a consistent culture and program. The most successful teams in the league have proven this time and time again:

• Kansas City Chiefs: Before Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid was still leading the team to playoff appearances with Alex Smith under center.
• Los Angeles Rams: Before Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay took Jared Goff to a Super Bowl.
• San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan has made deep playoff runs with Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy, proving the system matters more than the quarterback.
• Green Bay Packers: Despite Rodgers’ exit, the Packers have still made back-to-back playoff appearances under Jordan Love, because the focus is on the team, not just one player.
• Detroit Lions: Even with the possible departures of Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, the Lions will still be contenders because Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have built a real team-first foundation.
• Baltimore Ravens: Whether it was Joe Flacco or Lamar Jackson, John Harbaugh has kept the Ravens competitive through strong leadership and structure.
• Philadelphia Eagles: Howie Roseman and the Eagles have been Super Bowl contenders with both Jalen Hurts and Nick Foles, showing that a strong front office is key to long-term success.

The best franchises in the NFL—Chiefs, Eagles, Lions, Ravens, Rams, 49ers, Bills, and Bucs—are all built on a foundation of smart management, strong coaching, and a winning culture. The Jets, now moving forward without Rodgers, must focus on developing a sustainable, team-first approach if they want to become one of those organizations.