When the Green Bay Packers traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets last offseason, it signaled a great change in how things were run at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. No longer would the front office there have to walk a fine line between placating their aging future Hall of Fame quarterback while also attempting to ensure that the Packers would be competitive for years after he was gone. Indeed, when Rodgers left Green Bay, many breathed a huge sigh of relief.
The New York Jets Viewed Aaron Rodgers as a Savior
In New York, Rodgers was welcome as a conquering hero by the Jets’ front office, players, coaches, and fans alike. After all, it had been years since New York had a quarterback of Rodgers’ notoriety. Many believed that he made the Jets instant Super Bowl contenders. After all, they had a great defense in 2022; all they needed was a quarterback to lead their young offense and they would be able to hang with anyone!
Oh, and to sweeten the deal for their new superstar quarterback, the Jets went out and got some of his friends in free agency. They had already signed wide receiver Allen Lazard and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in an attempt to lure the future Hall of Famer to New York, but they went further and brought in Randall Cobb, Tim Boyle, and Billy Turner.
But then tragedy struck. Rodgers tore his Achilles on the fourth play from scrimmage that the offense had in Week One against the Buffalo Bills. Zach Wilson, who struggled in 2022, was supposed to spend the next few years learning from Rodgers, just like Jordan Love did in Green Bay.
Alas, it was not to be. Rodgers left New York to do his treatment and recovery in California and essentially ignored his new protégée. Wilson struggled again and, not only was he benched, he was relegated to third string. Now, it appears as if the Jets are done with him.
But they are not done with Rodgers. Oh no, far from it, actually.
NFL Insider Describes Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets as “Married”
And why would they be? Rodgers, even at 40 years old and coming off an Achilles tear, is still their best option at quarterback. As Packers learned the hard way over the four-time MVP’s last few years in Green Bay, just because he is the best option to quarterback the team does not mean he is the best option to pick his teammates.
Unfortunately, it sounds as if Rodgers is calling shots both on the field and in the front office. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN wrote in a recent article:
The state of the franchise can be summed up in one simple phrase from a team source: “We’re married to No. 8.” Everything the Jets do, for better or worse, revolves around Aaron Rodgers, who could chart a path to the playoffs … or a full rebuild. Major roster decisions swirl around the quarterback.
This should be very concerning for Jets fans. While it is true that Rodgers is a fierce competitor and wants to win, he wants to win his way. That means running his plays, signing his friends, and doing what he wants.
If David Bakhtiari is released by the Packers like many expect him to be, one best believe that the Jets are going to come-a-calling. And you best believe that Rodgers has already started making calls to his good buddy about playing with him in New York.
Bakhtiari has played 13 games in the last three seasons, one in 2021, none in 2022, and one last year. He has had multiple surgeries on his knee. There is no guarantee that he would be able to play even half a season much less a full one. But he’s Rodgers’ friend, and if he is available, the Jets are going to offer him a contract.
Now, it could work out; or it could not. It could end in disaster like 2023.
Aaron Rodgers’ Friends Did Not Fare Well on the New York Jets in 2023
To put it bluntly, there is a reason the Packers made the NFL Playoffs in 2023 with Jordan Love under center and missed the postseason in 2022 with Rodgers. With Rodgers gone, the Packers replaced his aging friends with young talent that simply was better than what they had. Not only did they have a successful season, they are set with this talented young core for years to come.
Meanwhile in New York, the Jets were stuck with Rodgers and his aging band. And the results were not good:
- Allen Lazard: 23 receptions, 311 yards, one touchdown
- Randall Cobb: five receptions, 39 yards, one touchdown
- Tim Boyle: two starts, 62.3% completion percentage, 360 yards, one touchdown, four interceptions, released before the season ended
- Billy Turner: 23% of offensive snaps played; four sacks allowed
Listen, if the Jets are willing to try and do whatever Rodgers wants in free agency, or cater every move to him, they are free to do so.
But that didn’t work in Green Bay and it didn’t work last year in New York.
Get ready for another long season, Jets fans.
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