How Much It Will Cost the Jets to Release Aaron Rodgers

The Jets' decision to move on from the Hall of Fame quarterback will come at a high cost.

The Jets announced Thursday they would be moving on from Rodgers after two seasons / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers's time with the New York Jets is officially over and done with, as the franchise confirmed prior reports that the two sides would be parting ways entering the 2025 offseason. Attention now turns to how, exactly, they will do so. Because the path the Jets choose to get Rodgers off the roster will cost the organization some money and, more importantly, cap room for 2025.

As explained by ESPN's Adam Schefter in the wake of the Jets' confirmation, Rodgers carries a $49 million dead cap hit for this year. New York has two options should it elect to release Rodgers outright as far as how to deal with that money. If the franchise cuts Rodgers right now, the $49 million dead cap will be carried in full on this year's cap sheet. If the franchise designates Rodgers as a "post-June 1 cut," the Jets can spread out that dead cap hit over two years.

The Jets will face $49M in dead money when they eventually release Aaron Rodgers. They can take the full hit this year or, more likely, designate him as a post-6/1 cut.

As a 6/1 cut, they’d carry his $23.5M cap hit until June 1, when it drops to $14M—saving $9.5M. However,… https://t.co/Gd4d7DAqGn

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 13, 2025

There have been several reports already suggesting the Jets will opt for the post-June 1 path, which makes a lot of sense. A $49 million dead cap hit would severely limit New York's options in free agency this March. The alternative number of $14 million isn't great, and dealing with the bigger numbers down the road won't be fun, but is still preferable to eating it all at once.

A high price to pay, but one the Jets are apparently more than willing to accept.

---

More of the Latest Around the NFL

•

Newest Giants QB Russell Wilson Reminisces About MetLife Stadium in Excited Message

•

Adam Schefter Shares Promising Stefon Diggs Injury Update After Patriots Signing

•

How Giants' Signing of Russell Wilson Affects Decisions About Aaron Rodgers, Shedeur Sanders

•

Patriots Updated Wide Receiver Depth Chart Following Stefon Diggs Signing

•

Darius Slayton Had the Perfect Tweet to Welcome Russell Wilson to Giants