Rodgers: Failing Grade as Jets' de facto General Manager?

The New York Jets' offense struggled in 2023 despite employing former Green Bay Packers Nathaniel Hackett, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb at the recommendation of Aaron Rodgers.

While seemingly destined for the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, New York Jets' quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn't appear to have a post-playing future in the front office.

Even without the recently-released report from The Athletic, the idea that Rodgers played the role of "de facto general manager" has existed since last spring. The problem is that none of quarterback's hand-picked additions performed up to expectations during the Jets' 7-10 season. 

New York's receivers were a glaring example of Rodgers' personnel whiffs.

With the four-time NFL MVP taking over as the new field general in Florham Park, the Jets needed a supporting cast in their receiving corps behind 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson. Rodgers reportedly had a say in the matter, influencing the free agent signings of Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.

Neither of Rodgers' former Green Bay Packer teammates, however, made noticeable contributions during Year 1. In fact, Lazard and Cobb, who were healthy scratches on multiple occasions, finished as complete statistical disappointments. They combined for only 350 yards and two touchdowns on 28 receptions.

After signing a four-year deal reportedly worth $44 million, Lazard's production dropped dramatically from his final season as a Packer. He caught fewer than 47 percent of targets in the passing game, hauling in only 23 of 49 balls sent his way. 

Despite WR2 expectations, Lazard's 311 receiving yards were dwarfed by both Jets' tight end Tyler Conklin (621) and running back Breece Hall (591). Appearing in only 11 games, Cobb was targeted 17 times in 210 offensive snaps. He made just five catches for 39 yards.

Then, there's the Nathaniel Hackett factor. Rodgers' seemingly hand-picked offensive coordinator was the brunt of criticism for the offense's season-long struggles. Seemingly unwilling to adjust after Rodgers was lost for the season, Hackett's offense (268.6 ypg) ranked next to last in the NFL. There was an eight-game stretch during which the team totaled only five offensive touchdowns. 

Jets 'A (Bleeping) Mess' with 'Rodgers as De Facto GM'

With 475 touchdown passes and nearly 60,000 yards as a pro, Rodgers's successful recovery from Achilles surgery remains the Jets' greatest hope for an increased win total in 2024.

No one appears to be questioning Rodgers' ability to sling the ball around the yard, even at 40 years old. But when it comes to personnel decisions, the Jets may be better off bypassing their quarterback's input.