Just two weeks after dropping the bombshell about Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets are still navigating the aftershocks. Head coach Aaron Glenn spoke candidly on Tuesday, acknowledging that parting ways with the legendary quarterback didn’t sit well with everyone on the team.
One player, in particular, defensive powerhouse Quinnen Williams, was vocal about his disappointment. After the news began circulating on February 9, Williams took to social media, posting a thumbs-down emoji along with the words, “another rebuild year for me I guess.” Glenn revealed he had a one-on-one conversation with Williams regarding his reaction.
“Yes, I’ve had a chat with him,” Glenn confirmed to reporters gathered at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “I completely get why the players might feel this way. But let me be clear: Every choice that I, along with [general manager Darren Mougey], make is geared towards winning and winning now.”
He continued, “I know not everyone will agree, but that’s part of it. As adults, we discuss these things, keep them internal, and carry on.”
Neither Glenn nor Mougey shed much light on the reasoning behind the Rodgers decision when they first addressed it post-announcement on February 13. At 41, Rodgers had a rough season, finishing 25th in QBR and leading the Jets to a mere 5-12 record.
While clearly distancing themselves from the Rodgers chapter, Mougey, unprompted, sought to negate rumors about conditions for Rodgers’ potential return, particularly in relation to “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“I’ll say this: There was never any ultimatum or conditions placed on Aaron regarding his potential place with the Jets,” Mougey clarified, referencing numerous discussions with the quarterback. “After much dialogue and consideration, we believed choosing a new direction at quarterback was best for the team’s future.”
Rodgers, informed during a meeting on February 6 that he was not in the Jets’ plans, has yet to express his views publicly. Mougey shared that the Jets might mark him as a post-June 1 release to manage the hefty $49 million cap hit over two years.
At his introductory press conference last month, Glenn had made his discomfort clear about relentless Rodgers-related questions from the media. He reiterated this sentiment on Tuesday, reflecting on his approach to team dynamics.
“I won’t disrespect our players by focusing endlessly on this topic,” Glenn said. “It ticks me off, and other players feel the same way. We’ve got Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and now Joe Tippmann. All these guys deserve to be acknowledged for their contributions to winning games.”
After spending two seasons in what felt like the Rodgers orbit, the Jets’ new leadership is eager to embark on a fresh path. It seems they’re eyeing a seasoned QB via free agency.
Currently, Tyrod Taylor, aged 35, is the only quarterback with significant experience on the roster. While Glenn praised him as “a good player,” he emphasized it’s much too early to label him the starting quarterback, hinting at a thorough exploration of both free agency and the NFL draft.
With the 7th overall draft pick, the Jets are open to the idea of moving up or down, Mougey mentioned.
Presently having $24 million in cap space, the Jets stand to notably boost this by cutting star wide receiver Davante Adams. This potential move could generate an additional $29.9 million in cap space, while releasing Adams, who carries a substantial $38.3 million cap hit. Glenn and Mougey remained vague about Adams’ future, though the wide receiver, a close pal of Rodgers, will likely be cut before the new league year begins on March 12.
“Davante is with us at the moment,” Mougey remarked. “We have a strategic plan, and we’ll tackle this matter as we get closer to the deadline.”
