Jets coach Robert Saleh loves Gang Green’s progress, especially with his chances of getting Aaron Rodgers.
Saleh reminisced with NFL Network’s Judy Battista on Sunday about the Jets’ evolution since the head coach arrived in New York in 2021.
“When we got there two years ago, thinking about where we were and how far we’ve come, for a guy like him to want to play for us is pretty cool and it shows how far we’ve come,” Saleh said. .
The Jets had one of the league’s best defenses last season, but couldn’t find a right-handed quarterback to lead the offense, which led to a 7-10 record.
The opportunity has arisen, however, with Rodgers on the trade market.
Saleh reflected on the rise of the Jets after the Gang Green defense became one of the best in the league.Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Gang Green is officially trying to land the 39-year-old quarterback, who has been stuck in trade limbo since the start of free agency.
Negotiations have stalled, apparently because Jets brass are unsure whether they can last a year or two for Rodgers’ rental, which they want to draft next month with the No. 13 overall pick.
A trade could also include a bigger package for the four-time MVP, including multiple draft picks — a package similar to what the Broncos received in their trade for quarterback Russell Wilson last season.
Robert Saleh is proud of the Jets becoming a potential landing destination for Rodgers.AP Photo/Matt Ludtke
Rodgers also said on “The Pat McAfee Show” earlier this month that he “intended” to play for the Jets, but trade compensation is the only thing keeping him from landing in New York.
“I have not held anything back. At this point, the payoff the Packers are trying to get for me has been that they’re digging their heels in. It’s interesting to step back at this point and look at the whole picture,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers said he “intends” to join the Jets next season.AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps, File
Gang Green has lured Rodgers to follow their quarterback “wish list,” signing their biggest weapon from the Packers last offseason — Allen Lazard.
Jets owner Woody Johnson and Saleh visited the quarterback in Malibu, California in an attempt to convict him.
Despite his age, Rodgers said he still has more gas left in the tank.
“I still have that fire and I want to play and I’d love to play in New York, it’s just a matter of doing it at this point,” he said.