Aaron Rodgers has admitted that he could extend his NFL career after joining the New York Jets, meaning that Zach Wilson's long-term future may be in doubt.
The Jets acquired the veteran in a trade this offseason after he decided to leave the Green Bay Packers after 18 seasons, meaning that Wilson was relieved of his starting role and downgraded to QB2. Wilson has struggled for consistency since being drafted in 2021, but the initial plan was for him to learn under Rodgers and then take over once the 39-year-old leaves the franchise.
Rodgers confirmed the plan before the start of the season, as he said on CBS: "I'd like to be able to play a few good years here and then hand it right back off to Zach and let him go for the next 15, and it will be a really special 18 to 20-year run. Great quarterback."
The veteran joined the Jets with two years remaining on his contract but it was restructured during the offseason as he took a pay cut of nearly $35 million. However, his new contract is now technically a five-year deal to spread out bonus proration, meaning that he could follow Tom Brady and play until he's 45.
There are no guarantees that Rodgers will play for the entire duration of his new contract, but if he does then Wilson could face waiting until he's 29 to take over. It's unlikely that Wilson will be content with a long-term situation as the backup quarterback and could be forced to leave.
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Rodgers has been reborn since joining the Jets, admitting he's "changed" since leaving the Packers and become a new man. Rodgers even contemplated retirement this offseason, but now feels completely different about the future.
The quarterback was asked if he could follow Brady and play until the age of 45, and he told reporters: "I think if you would’ve asked me five, six years ago, I would've said probably not. But with the change that’s happened and some of the changes off the field I’ve made, I definitely see that now as a possibility where before I just didn’t think I’d want to, honestly.
Wilson has been mentored by Rodgers this offseason (Getty Images)"I’d love to play a few years here, not sure if that few is two, or three or … I mean, five would kind of get me to 45. But I definitely don’t want to be a one-and-done here."
Rodgers has been very supportive of Wilson this offseason, sticking close to him during training camp to share his expertise. He was also fitted with a headset during the preseason to assist Wilson during games.
But Rodgers is under no obligation to cut his career short because of Wilson, and if he can rediscover his previous form then the Jets could become Super Bowl competitors. Rodgers makes his debut on "Monday Night Football," as the Jets host the Buffalo Bills.
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