There were always high stakes involved when the New York Jets traded for Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Head coach Robert Saleh made it clear after last season that the team was in need of a veteran quarterback to take the team to the next level. One former team leader thinks the Jets’ move in April could make this season one filled with pressure for Saleh.
The Jets looked at multiple options at quarter this season. The team interviewed Derek Carr but decided not to aggressively pursue the Pro Bowl quarterback until Aaron Rodgers made up his mind on if he was going to retire or play this season. The Jets’ patience paid off, at least in landing the four-time MVP quarterback from the Green Bay Packers. Saleh must hope a flurry of offseason moves pays off this fall.
Robert Saleh receives an alert on Aaron Rodgers

According to Ruch Cimini with ESPN, former Jets head coach Eric Mangini had some words of caution for Saleh. Mangini said that Saleh needed to embrace the pressure the Jets are facing this season after the Rodgers trade. He said that if the Jets failed this year, the team would likely find a new head coach next season. However, Mangini said the Jets are getting Rodgers right where Saleh would want him for this season:
“They’re getting a pissed-off Aaron Rodgers, which is exactly the Aaron Rodgers you want,” said former Jets coach Eric Mangini, who coached Favre in 2008. “When he was pissed off about Jordan Love, he won the MVP. When he was pissed off about his contract, he won the MVP. When Jordan Love wasn’t an issue and the contract was taken care of, not as great. Now he’s pissed off. It’s perfect.”
Saleh knew the team needed to take a risk to get into the playoffs in a ridiculous AFC East and conference. Zach Wilson appeared to be holding back a good and young team last year. Rodgers seemed almost apathetic for much of last season with the Packers. But he seems motivated to win in New York this year. Saleh must hope the gamble pays off, or he might last fewer seasons with the Jets than Wilson.
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