Rodgers broke the news during an impromptu appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday afternoon, March 18. “I got a call from Dallas, and they put $25 million on the table,” he said, his voice steady but resolute. “But I don’t want to be a backup QB. I’ve still got a lot left in the tank, and I’m not here to sit behind anyone. I’m either starting, or I’m not playing.”
The Cowboys’ Pitch—and Rodgers’ Rebuke
The offer from Dallas came as a surprise to many, given the Cowboys’ commitment to Dak Prescott, who signed a four-year, $240 million extension in September 2024. Sources close to the team, speaking anonymously to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, revealed that owner Jerry Jones envisioned Rodgers as a high-profile insurance policy. With Prescott recovering from a season-ending hamstring injury in 2024 and facing questions about his playoff performance, Jones reportedly sought Rodgers’ veteran savvy to mentor—or potentially replace—his franchise quarterback if needed.
The proposed one-year, $25 million deal included incentives that could have pushed it closer to $30 million, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. It was a staggering sum for a backup role, reflecting Jones’ desperation to bolster the Cowboys after a 7-10 season that missed the playoffs. But Rodgers, known for his fierce competitiveness and unyielding self-belief, saw it as a demotion rather than an opportunity.
“I respect what Jerry’s built down there,” Rodgers told McAfee. “But I didn’t come this far to hold a clipboard. If I’m on the field, I’m the guy. That’s it.” The statement underscored Rodgers’ refusal to accept a diminished role, even at this late stage of his Hall of Fame career.
A Tumultuous Exit from New York
Rodgers’ decision follows a rocky 2024 season with the Jets, where he went 6-11 in his second year with the team. After tearing his Achilles four plays into the 2023 campaign, he returned in 2024 with high hopes, only to clash with head coach Robert Saleh (fired midseason) and struggle with a retooled offense that never found its rhythm. The Jets declined to exercise his 2025 option, worth $35 million, making him a free agent for the first time since 2005.
Despite the setbacks, Rodgers threw for 3,872 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2024, proving he can still sling it at an elite level. His rejection of Dallas suggests he’s not ready to hang up his cleats—or cede control to a younger quarterback like Prescott, who turns 32 in July.
Fan Frenzy and League Fallout
The news sent shockwaves through the NFL community. Cowboys fans on X were split, with some lamenting the missed chance—“Rodgers behind our O-line? That’s a Super Bowl!”—while others cheered the loyalty to Prescott: “Dak’s our guy, not some 41-year-old diva.” Jets supporters, meanwhile, expressed relief at moving on, with one posting, “Good riddance. Time for a fresh start.”
The rejection leaves Dallas scrambling. Jones, who famously pursues big names, may now turn to other veterans like Russell Wilson or Carson Wentz, though none carry Rodgers’ pedigree. Prescott, for his part, issued a diplomatic response via Instagram: “Respect to Aaron. I’m focused on getting healthy and winning in Dallas.”
Where Does Rodgers Go From Here?
Rodgers’ statement has narrowed his options but not closed the door on 2025. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans—each seeking a proven starter—could emerge as suitors. The Raiders, in particular, have been linked to Rodgers, with $45 million in cap space and a glaring need at quarterback after cycling through Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew in 2024.
“I’m not done yet,” Rodgers told McAfee, hinting at his next move. “There’s a team out there that needs me to lead, not to babysit. I’ll find it.” Whether that’s a contender or a rebuilding squad, Rodgers’ insistence on starting ensures his free agency saga will dominate headlines as the offseason unfolds.
For now, the Cowboys must regroup, and the NFL braces for the next chapter of Aaron Rodgers’ storied career. One thing is clear: the quarterback’s fire still burns—and he’s not ready to play second fiddle to anyone.
