Aaron Rodgers is gearing up for his second full season with the New York Jets, generating significant buzz similar to before he sustained a torn Achilles in last year’s opener. However, behind the scenes, things may not be as rosy.
In a confidential survey of player agents conducted by The Athletic, one agent criticized the Jets for the level of control they have handed over to Rodgers.
“There is complete chaos there,” the unnamed agent told The Athletic. “Look at how they’ve managed Aaron Rodgers. Has any player had more authority than him? He skipped minicamp, and they have been unsuccessful in molding him into a team player. The atmosphere within the organization is awful.”
Speculation about Rodgers’ influence over the Jets has been circulating since his trade to the team last year. Before the trade, reports suggested that Rodgers had provided New York with a list of players he wanted them to acquire, a claim the QB later refuted. The Jets also hired former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, supposedly largely due to Rodgers’ recommendation.
New York’s aspirations of an immediate turnaround with the four-time NFL MVP were dashed just four plays into the 2023 season when he suffered an Achilles injury that ended his season. Despite his attempts to return later in the season, it never materialized.
As the Jets struggled to a 7-10 season, there was dissatisfaction with how things unfolded. In January, an anonymous Jets coach told The Athletic that the team’s situation was “just such a mess.” Former Jets quarterback Zach Wilson and other players also grew weary of head coach Robert Saleh’s admiration for Rodgers, as reported by The Athletic in January.
Rodgers has been openly critical of the organization’s culture during his time in New York, citing constant leaks as a major issue. In December, he voiced his concerns on “The Pat McAfee Show,” stating, “It’s a problem with the organization.”
In his end-of-season remarks in 2023, Rodgers once again criticized the culture of the Jets.
“Anything in this building that is not geared towards winning needs to be evaluated,” Rodgers stated. “Every action must serve a purpose … anything not contributing to winning needs to be eliminated from the organization.”
Rodgers grabbed headlines in June when he missed the Jets’ mandatory minicamp due to a trip to Egypt. He downplayed his absence, telling the “Pardon My Take” podcast that he participated in all practices during the organized team activities.
Should the Jets be concerned about Aaron Rodgers’ “difficult” camp?
Nevertheless, Rodgers was fined for his absence, but Saleh downplayed any potential tension when training camp commenced in July.
“I’ve been in communication with Aaron throughout the summer,” Saleh informed reporters at the time. “I received some cool pictures from him. We had our usual conversations. Nothing is broken, but regarding the minicamp situation, we had discussed it beforehand, so we are in agreement on everything that has occurred.”
