ESPN Personality Suggests It May Be Time for Aaron Rodgers To Retire

Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets is under scrutiny as the team struggles with a 2-5 record. Stephen A. Smith suggests it may be time for the veteran QB to retire.

Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks onto the field for a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images / Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The New York Jets 2024 season, marked by a disappointing 2-5 record, is unraveling after yet another frustrating loss, this time to the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the heart of their difficulties lies the performance of their seasoned quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who has come under intense scrutiny from fans and respected sports commentators alike. One of the loudest voices is Stephen A. Smith, who hasn’t held back in suggesting that it may be time for Rodgers to call it quits.

In his analysis following the Jets' latest defeat, Stephen A. Smith was blunt about Rodgers' future in football. A long-time fan of Rodgers, Smith pointed out that the quarterback’s recent performances are far from the player he once was. "He has looked so bad, I’ve actually looked at the screen and found myself saying, ‘It might be time for him to really retire,'" Smith said on his show, voicing what many have been wondering: Can Rodgers, at 40, still perform?

This season has been far from Rodgers’ best, as his lackluster performances have led to unfavorable comparisons with his predecessor, Zach Wilson. Last year, Wilson managed a 4-3 record in his first seven games, while Rodgers, over the same period, has only led the Jets to a 2-5 start. Both quarterbacks struggled, especially regarding key performance metrics, which only raises more questions about the Jets' stability at the quarterback position. Rodgers has thrown seven interceptions in seven games, a worrying statistic that mirrors Wilson’s numbers from last season. While Rodgers has been known for his historic touchdown-to-interception ratio, this year has been very different.

Although Rodgers' interception rate has become the most glaring point for his critics, not all these turnovers can be pinned solely on him. His third-quarter interception against the Steelers came after receiver Garrett Wilson let an accurate ball bounce off his chest, allowing Beanie Bishop Jr. to make the play. While there have been plenty of questionable throws, the Jets have seldom been in advantageous scenarios, leading Rodgers to take more risky plays to move the field position or the scoreboard.

Despite the negative numbers and increasing criticism, there is still a sliver of optimism that Rodgers might turn things around. The recent addition of Davante Adams offers Rodgers a familiar and skilled offensive target, which could help reignite the passing game as everyone settles in. As the season progresses, it’s possible that Rodgers could adjust to the Jets’ system and use his vast experience to overcome his current struggles, but time is running out. The Jets have a tough schedule ahead, and unless there are significant changes in the offensive execution, it seems unlikely that Rodgers and Co will experience a significant turnaround. The relentless pressure from analysts and the media also continues to loom large, which may make it even harder for Rodgers to stay focused and perform at his peak.