What to expect from Aaron Rodgers in 2024

The 2024 season has not even started yet and Aaron Rodgers is already back to creating drama within an organization as if he is in his prime.

Entering his age-40 season, Rodgers has not played a full game since January 2023 after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Week 1 last year. His recovery went well to the point of teasing a Wolverine-like miraculous return late in the year and the former four-time MVP appears to be on point to be back in action in September.

Injury aside, there will always be additional concerns with Rodgers. Reports surfaced in June that the quarterback decided to skip the team's mandatory minicamp due to what Robert Saleh said the veteran told him was an "important event."

Causes for concern with Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers will not be the first quarterback to attempt to return from a torn Achilles, as Dan Marino notably bounced back from the same process in 1993. However, Marino was only 32 at the time and noted that he never fully healed in the remaining six years of his career.

Several other players have seen their careers essentially ended with the same injury, though most played positions that required significantly more athleticism than quarterback. As a career pocket passer, an Achilles injury is less hampering to Rodgers than it would be to Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray. Regardless, the modern NFL has made mobility at the signal-calling position a necessity more than the luxury it was considered 10 years ago.

On all accounts, Rodgers still has the same arm at age 40 that won him the MVP award in 2021. That comes as no surprise, as that skill is typically the last to leave an aging quarterback.

With an Achilles issue, arm talent will not be the problem but rather his mobility and footwork. All of the factors that were already declining with his age will be harshly tested in 2024 on the heels of a devastating injury.

The minicamp absence is less worrisome. As much buzz as it has caused, similar stunts have been pulled by players in the past with little to no impact on their play. The fines will barely make a dent in Rodgers' wallet and come July, all will likely be forgotten.

Aaron Rodgers' 2024 season outlook

From a "real life" perspective, inserting Rodgers into this Jets offense makes them a Super Bowl threat in the AFC on paper with the substantial lift he provides from Zach Wilson. The question will be if that on-field production can translate to fantasy success.

New York's current roster will be the best Rodgers has been a part of for the better part of a decade. The offensive line is projected to be a top-10 unit and Garrett Wilson is immediately the best receiver Rodgers will be throwing to since Davante Adams.

With the talent around him and his proven track record of success, a top-10 finish for Rodgers is not out of the question. His ceiling remains sky-high. Worse quarterbacks than Rodgers have proven to have fantasy success at an advanced age. But the injury and potential negative game script playing with an elite defense makes his floor equally as daunting.