Pat McAfee has finally spoken out on the rumors that his relationship with Aaron Rodgers was at the center of the quarterback’s New York Jets exit.
Rodgers is heading for free agency after being released by the Jets, with whom he spent a miserable two years before being deemed surplus to requirements by new head coach Aaron Glenn earlier this month.
Yet, the 41-year-old’s failure to lead the franchise to the playoffs this season after his comeback from a ruptured Achilles the year prior was not at the forefront of speculation surrounding the split.
Instead, it was the NFL veteran’s weekly appearances on McAfee’s self-eponymous ESPN show that raised eyebrows.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the Jets requested Rodgers stop appearing on the program as a condition to return to the franchise next season while discussing his potential future in Florham Park, New Jersey.
McAfee addressed the Jets’ rumored ultimatum, which was also shut down by general manager Darren Mougey at the NFL combine earlier this week, during Friday’s show.
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Pat McAfee has addressed rumors that his show was at the center of Aaron Rodgers’ Jets exit
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Rodgers is heading for free agency after being released by the Jets earlier this month
‘I was so uncomfortable I was like, “come on.” This guy’s career? A billion dollar industry?’ an exasperated McAfee said in disbelief over the report.
‘Then he [Mougey] had to come out and address it at the combine. There was no ultimatum made about Aaron coming back,’ the former punter insisted.
‘They have a vision of what they want their team to look like. They will take the dead cap hit and continue to build that. Aaron Glenn and Mougey got hired to do that with the Jets. We assumed that was going to be the case.
‘I think Aaron [Rodgers] was hoping for an opportunity to make it right with Jets fans and the Jets organization, and bring a long a young quarterback but I don’t think that was ever reality in my eyes.’
Rodgers’ means the Jets face $49million in dead money as new head coach Glenn tries to rebuild the beleaguered franchise. As for the four-time MVP, his future in the game is unclear from here.
Moves elsewhere around the league, including the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford agreeing a reworked deal, opened up a surprising avenue for Rodgers Friday.
Adam Schefter revealed on Friday that Stafford has agreed a restructured deal with the Rams, coming as a blow to the New York Giants amid their search for a new quarterback.
It also rules out a potential move for Rodgers, who had been tipped to replace Stafford at SoFi Stadium.
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New York’s new general manager Darren Mougey shut down the ultimatum reports this week
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Matthew Stafford is set to stay in LA after agreeing a restructured deal with the Rams this week
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Rodgers has now emerged as a shock target for the Giants after being snubbed by the Rams
Yet in light of that huge development from Los Angeles, Schefter now claims Giants officials are looking at ‘all veteran quarterback options – which includes Rodgers.
Rodgers is said to be plotting to stay at MetLife Stadium, according to Mike Florio , which would prove a no-brainer logistically given he already lives in the area.
Now he is being seriously considered by the Giants as they look to solve their crisis at quarterback, having cut ties with Daniel Jones back in November before alternating between backups Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock.
DeVito is the only quarterback on their books heading into the 2025 season, meaning head coach Brian Daboll needs to find a new starter over the coming months.
Rodgers recently issued a wish list for his next franchise , calling for his future NFL home to be ‘good’ and to want him.
However, he may be backtracking on the first demand if he wants to join the Giants, given their 3-14 record was worse than the Jets.
