Jets' 'Marriage' to Aaron Rodgers Dictates Offseason Plan?

Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers could have a major impact once again on the New York Jets' offseason plans.

Who's the real power within the New York Jets franchise regarding the key decisions this offseason? Is it general manager Joe Douglas, as many would expect, or coach Robert Saleh? 

Based on a recent article from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the answer is neither. Rather, Fowler essentially asserts Rodgers as the true power in New York ahead of an offseason that could be the difference between this partnership having a happy ending or just becoming a repeat of 16 years ago when the Jets acquired Brett Farve.

"The state of the franchise can be summed up in one simple phrase from a team source: 'We're married to No. 8,'" Fowler writes. "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."

Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on from the sideline against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.   / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Last offseason's acquisition of a former multiple-time MVP-winning quarterback would presume to tell you that the Jets are serious Super Bowl contenders. However, almost a year following the trade, Fowler puts the Jets in the "this could go either way" tier of his rankings of all 32 NFL teams. 

As you'd expect, this means the Jets aren't as close to being a true contender as they had hoped. Obviously, this is largely due to Rodgers' debut season in New York lasting just four snaps before he tore his Achilles and was sidelined for the year.

That injury descended the Jets right back into quarterback purgatory, as former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson struggled despite Rodgers' offseason mentorship. Things had gotten so bad that Wilson was benched again, only this time it was for two games, as Tim Boyle didn't provide the same effect as Mike White did a season earlier. 

Yet, with Boyle no longer on the roster as he was cut following his second start, and all indications pointing toward Wilson being traded, the Jets are back to hoping Rodgers can right the ship. 

Jets General Manager Joe Douglas: ‘Too Nice’?

The idea of the Jets catering to Rodgers' liking seems legit. After all, one could presume the only reason offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is still with the Jets is because of Rodgers's trust in him. 

But Hackett wasn't the only "friend" that Rodgers brought with him, as the Jets signed many of his former teammates, like receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, to name a few last offseason. 

After a 7-10 season exemplified the remaining holes on the Jets' roster, like the offensive line, it seems safe to assume that Rodgers will assert whatever power he has in ensuring that it is taken care of. After all, as the saying goes, "happy wife, happy life," it seems the current predicament in New York is: "Happy Rodgers, happy life." 

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