The New York Jets had a disappointing 2023 NFL season, to say the least. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers was supposed to elevate the team to Super Bowl contention after he was acquired via trade from the Green Bay Packers for a first round pick swap, 2023 second round pick, and 2024 conditional second round pick. Unfortunately, that did not happen.
It sure was a good thing (for the Jets) that the 2024 pick was a conditional one, because Rodgers tore his Achilles four snaps into the season. What followed was a dramatic 7-10 season (again) that saw the team burn its bridge with 2021 second overall pick Zach Wilson while Rodgers rehabbed in California. Rumors swirled about disfunction and favoritism in the locker room, and the players New York signed to appease their four-time NFL MVP quarterback did not play well in 2023.
None of Aaron Rodgers’ Former Green Bay Packers Teammates Played Well for the New York Jets
Part of the reason the Jets finished 7-10 was because the players New York signed to make Rodgers happy did not perform well. As a rookie with the Packers, Allen Lazard appeared in one game and had one reception for seven yards. His 2023 season with the Jets (23 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown) was his worst season since then.
Randall Cobb, one of Rodgers’ best friends, had his worst professional season with five receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown. Tim Boyle and Adrian Amos were both released midseason and ended the year with the Houston Texans. Billy Turner couldn’t get regular playing time on one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.
Finally, Nathaniel Hackett, whom the Jets hired to help lure Rodgers to New York, drew criticism all year long, and many believe the only reason he is keeping his job in 2024 is because the future Hall of Famer wants him.
Aaron Rodgers Wants the New York Jets to Re-Sign Greg Zuerlein and Thomas Morstead
Speaking on “Keep Hammering Collective,” Rodgers talked about a variety of topics, including players that he wants the Jets to bring in and/or retain. He specifically made mention of kicker Greg Zuerlein and punter Thomas Morstead, saying:
“They’re weapons for us … I’d like to see those guys back.”
Zuerlian, a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2017 while playing for the Los Angeles Rams, made 92.1% of his field goals and 93.8% of his extra point attempts for New York in 2023.
Morstead, a Second Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2012 while playing for the New Orleans Saints, led the NFL with 99 punts and 4,831 punt yards last season.
The New York Jets Are Keeping Aaron Rodgers Involved in Personnel Decisions
In addition to naming two Jets teammates he wants to see back, Rodgers also revealed that general manager Joe Douglas has been in constant communication with him regarding roster moves. Back when things fell apart between the Packers and Rodgers, the four-time MVP quarterback cited a desire for more of a voice in personnel decisions.
Despite the performances of the players he wanted New York to get last year, it sounds like they are still holding his opinion is high esteem.
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