Even before signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets signed some of his former Green Bay Packers teammates and hired one of his favorite NFL coaches to help recruit him last offseason. Rodgers’ return in 2024 suggests that he wants New York to do much more.
This year, Rodgers’ hand-picked additions to the Jets’ coaching staff and roster did not pan out. Tim Boyle, a former Packers player and buddy of Rodgers, was fired following a dismal tenure as the starting quarterback.
Allen Lazard, who signed a four-year, $44 million contract, has been a healthy scratch, and veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb is ranked 10th on the club in receiving yards (35) through nine games. Meanwhile, Hackett’s play-calling has resulted in one of the worst offenses in the NFL, and running back Dalvin Cook (3.2 yards per carry) has been ineffective.
Rodgers’ power over the Jets organization, on the other hand, isn’t going away next season. Coming off a ruptured Achilles and entering his 40th season, the four-time NFL MVP had already gotten his way with the coaching staff. He now has a fresh wishlist of players for the Jets to pursue throughout the upcoming summer.
Rodgers’ “watch list” of Jets targets includes Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, as well as Packers running back Aaron Jones and left tackle David Bakhtiari, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
The chances of New York acquiring those guys vary. Las Vegas has expressed no interest in dealing Adams, turning down the Jets’ requests ahead of the 2023 NFL trade deadline. Furthermore, Adams has made no indication that he wants to be dealt in 2024 or reunited with Rodgers.
Jones could be available for the New York Knicks. While the Pro Bowl running back is extremely effective when healthy, his cap charge in 2024 is $17.7 million. Green Bay can find cheaper alternatives in the NFL Draft, therefore Jones will almost certainly be designated as a post-June 1 release to save $12 million in contract space in 2024. However, his place in a backfield that already includes Breece Hall is debatable.
Bakhtiari, on the other hand, would be an outstanding candidate for New York. He’s one of the finest left tackles in the NFL when healthy, and he’d be a huge upgrade for the Jets’ offensive line in pass protection. Given that releasing him this spring would save the Packers $21.4 million in contract space, a reunion with Rodgers in New York is unavoidable.
