The New York Jets traded for Aaron Rodgers in the 2023 off-season to lead their young roster to a Super Bowl title. After joining the team, Rodgers claimed he would take the backup QB Zach Wilson under his wing and mentor him. However, a new report suggests, Rodgers lied about his relationship with Wilson and barely spoke with him.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt, Rodgers and Wilson grew distant after the 40-year-old quarterback suffered an Achilles injury.
Wilson told coaches and teammates he was under the impression he’d have a direct line to Rodgers, even after Rodgers tore his Achilles and flew home to California for surgery in the early stages of his rehab. Instead, Wilson barely heard from him. The Athletic reported
In the early days after Rodgers’ Achilles injury, the 4-time league MVP claimed that he was going to support Wilson when the young quarterback was going through a rough patch. As a result, Wilson expected to have a ‘direct line’ to Rodgers.
◽️A paranoid head coach
◽️Excuse-making
◽️A QB that rubbed some teammates wrongWe spoke to 30 sources in and around the Jets organization to better understand their failed season.
"It’s just such a f—ing mess."
✍️ @ZackBlatt and @DMRussini https://t.co/g49epOg5us
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 31, 2024
After Rodgers suffered the injury, Wilson replaced him as the starting QB and didn’t have a great campaign. Eventually, he was benched by the Jets and his relationship with Rodgers reportedly soured during that time. In public, Rodgers has publicly supported Wilson on many occasions, but it seems like he never reached out to the third-year QB even during his rough times.
Nonetheless, Rodgers wouldn’t have to deal with Zach Wilson anymore since the New York-based football team is trying to trade away the 24-year-old quarterback. The Jets would be lucky to get a mid-round draft pick by trading Wilson ahead of the draft.
Jets looking to get Aaron Rodgers some protection in Draft
Following a disappointing 2023 season, the New York Jets are now in the off-season, where they will try to address their team needs to further strengthen their roster.
The Jets have decent weapons for their quarterback Aaron Rodgers and have a pretty good defensive unit too. Their main flaw which they need to address quickly is their offensive line. They should be able to protect their 40-year-old quarterback, who they have invested so much in.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: There is “chatter” that the #Jets are already targeting Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga with the 10th pick of the 2024 #NFL Draft, per @TonyPauline
It’s crucial that the Jets revamp their offensive line to help Aaron Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/vApEESr6KA
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 2, 2024
Last year, they failed to add any solid offensive line. But this time, the Jets general manager is looking to draft the Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round.
The Jets currently have the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and they don’t have to move up to acquire a good offensive line. They can even move down a couple of picks to add more resources and still draft who they need.