NFL fines Rodgers for late hit

The NFL fined New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers $11,255 for his late hit in last Sunday's blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Bills cornerback Christian Benford intercepted Rodgers and ran out of bounds when the veteran signal-caller pushed him. Referees penalized Rodgers for unnecessary roughness on the play.

This is one of Rodgers' first fines for an on-field incident. However, the 41-year-old confirmed in July that the Jets had fined him for missing three days of mandatory minicamp last offseason to go on a trip to Egypt, hinting that the penalty cost him more than $50,000.

Rodgers has acknowledged New York could release him after the regular season and that he's still contemplating his playing future. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported in December that the quarterback is a "long shot" to return to the team next season. Rodgers has one year remaining on his contract after signing a three-year, $112.5-million deal following his trade to the Jets from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023.

New York has struggled to a 4-12 record this campaign, while Rodgers has thrown a career-worst 24 touchdowns. He's also posted less than 250 yards in 10 games this season.