Why Is Aaron Rodgers Not At Mandatory Minicamp? 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, has raised eyebrows by skipping mandatory minicamp for an unexcused reason, as per head coach Robert Saleh.

Saleh told the media that the four-time NFL MVP has been communicating with him, but he had a more important event to attend. Saleh further explained that Rodgers had a trip scheduled months ago that prevented him from attending minicamp.

For the time being, Tyrod Taylor will take first-team reps, and Rodgers may receive a fine for skipping the mandatory activities.

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Aaron Rodgers 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

His debut season in the Big Apple went just about as bad as anyone could have thought. He suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on the opening drive of the first game of the season. The Jets were able to hang around the Wild Card race for most of the season but eventually fell out of the hunt towards the later half of the fall.

"He had something that was very important to him. If it's important to him, it's important to us."

Robert Saleh was asked if he's disappointed in Aaron Rodgers not being present to start minicamp: pic.twitter.com/xbg0RSrA33

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 11, 2024

Zach Wilson saw the majority of starts in Rodgers’ absence, with Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle behind him. Taylor is expected to serve as the primary backup this season, and Florida State rookie Jordan Travis will serve as the third-stringer this season. 

Wilson is now competing for a starting role in Denver, Boyle is fighting for a spot on the Houston depth chart, and Siemian is a free agent. 

While the 40-year-old is now fully healed and is expected to be the starting quarterback in New York, there were a few concerns about his off-the-field antics this spring. Earlier this offseason, Rodgers was reportedly offered to serve as the Vice President to Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. but had to withdraw from contention as he could not have played football and served in public office. 

However, Rodgers voluntarily attended OTAs earlier in June, which is a great sign that his absence from mandatory minicamp was planned and that he is focused solely on football.

.@AaronRodgers12 ➡️ @GarrettWilson_V at #Jets OTA practice today!

Garrett Wilson only has 7 touchdowns through his first 2 seasons. How many will he catch from Aaron Rodgers in 2024? 🧐

🎥 @nyjets 🎶 @NFLFilms #JetUp pic.twitter.com/fOeh5Vj5lp

— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) May 28, 2024

Considering his age and previous injury history, Rodgers is a risky selection as your QB1 in fantasy drafts this summer. However, the potential payoff is significant as he will be paired with elite offensive weapons such as Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall and a revamped line featuring newcomers Morgan Moses, Tyron Smith, John Simpson, and Penn State rookie Olu Fashanu. 

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