Jeff Ulbrich says Aaron Rodgers to remain Jets' starting QB - ESPN

For his 41st birthday, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was given a reprieve.

Despite a nightmarish season, Rodgers will remain the starter for the Jets' last five games, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced Monday morning.

Ulbrich, who created doubt with a lukewarm endorsement after Sunday's 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, said Rodgers still can play at a «high level» and gives the spiraling Jets (3-9) the best chance to win.

Rodgers' Hall of Fame-level résumé also factored into the decision to stick with him for what could be the final five games of his illustrious career.

«Obviously, that's part of every conversation regarding Aaron,» Ulbrich said. «Yeah, he's done amazing things. He's done legendary things, Hall of Fame things in this league, and I think that's always part of the conversation. Always.»

Ulbrich made it sound as if he's prepared to ride with Rodgers for the rest of the season, barring injury. He dismissed the notion that it will be a week-to-week decision.

«No, he's our quarterback,» said Ulbrich, whose backup option is veteran Tyrod Taylor.

It might not be as simple as that, though. After all, owner Woody Johnson suggested benching Rodgers when the team was 2-2, sources said recently. Johnson backed off at the time, but he could always change his mind. Ulbrich declined to say whether Johnson had input into the decision to stick with Rodgers, adding that he and Johnson always have «good, healthy conversations.»

Ownership already is looking ahead to 2025, as it was announced last week that it has hired an outside firm to assist with the general manager and head-coaching searches.

Rodgers, who turned 41 on Monday, will make the 14th start of his Jets career Sunday against the Miami Dolphins