Report: New York Jets owner Woody Johnson suggested benching Aaron Rodgers

It’s been a tumultuous season for the New York Jets, perhaps even moreso than many fans had initially realized. And much of it centers around quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers, the now 40-year-old gunslinger, had been brought to the organization as the potential spark plug for a team toying with the idea of a deep playoff run. Things obviously haven’t panned out that way.

And amid early struggles in the 2024 season, team owner Woody Johnson actually suggested benching Aaron Rodgers, according to a recent report in The Athletic citing multiple team sources.

The Athletic reports that the day after New York’s loss to the Denver Broncos on Sept. 29, a contentious team meeting unfolded that “included Johnson, (general manager Joe) Douglas, vice chairman Christopher Johnson, team president Hymie Elhai, and Ira Akselrad, an adviser to Johnson,” as well as a handful of coaches.

During that meeting, Johnson reportedly suggested the coaches bench Aaron Rodgers in favor of Tyrod Taylor. The coaches, including head coach Robert Saleh, were “stunned at the suggestion” and talked him out of it.

The suggestion passed without action, and Rodgers has continued leading the team since.

The Jets are just 3-8, tied with the New England Patriots at the bottom of the AFC East. For his part, though, Rodgers has been productive.

The veteran has thrown for 2,442 yards with a 63.4% completion rate, dishing out 17 touchdown passes against just seven interceptions. He has gone four straight weeks now without an interception, though the Jets are just 1-3 in that span, with two of its losses by a field goal or less.

In any case, the revelation by The Athletic about the contentious team meeting is an interesting one. The report that Johnson tried to have Aaron Rodgers benched?

Well that is an eye-opening one.