For the first time since rumors began swirling about a possible connection between the Jets and Aaron Rodgers, Jets owner Woody Johnson was asked about the speculation publicly, but did his best not to tip his hand about the team’s pursuit of a veteran quarterback this offseason.
Speaking with ESPN’s Dianna Russini on the red carpet ahead of the NFL Honors ceremony Thursday, Johnson spoke candidly about New York’s struggles at quarterback during the 2022 season and how the front office is surveying the landscape for a possible upgrade this spring.
“The weakness right now is in the quarterback position,” Johnson said. “Whether it was management or whatever, everybody kind of regressed a little bit so what we’re gonna do is we are gonna look for an experienced quarterback to come in and help us and help develop these other young players.”
After adding that there were a number of intriguing options on the quarterback market, Russini asked Johnson whether he was interested in Rodgers in particular.
“I think you want the best quarterback you can get to lead the Jets,” Johnson answered. “I think with a good quarterback and our great defense… and a good running game. Our special teams is really good. I think it’s plug-and-play, when a quarterback comes in it’s kind of an ideal situation.”
When Russini followed up about the price for Rodgers, Johnson shut down any specific conversation about the Packers star, citing that he wasn’t able to talk about a player who is under contract with another club.
Rodgers has yet to make a decision on his future in the NFL since the Packers season came to an end on Jan. 8, but rumors have swirled about a possible move to New York this summer. Speculation only grew when the Jets hired Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator after he previously worked alongside Rodgers in Green Bay before a one-year stint as the head coach of the Broncos.
“Love Hack. Hack is my guy. Love him and Megan and the kids,” Rodgers said of his former offensive coordinator on the Pat McAfee Show Tuesday. “They’re really special to me. We really bonded when he was in Green Bay. He made it fun. He made the room fun. He made the weeks fun.”
Rodgers, 39, has made clear that he plans to take his time before deciding where he’ll play in 2023, or even if he’ll continue to play at all. If the four-time MVP does choose to ask the Packers for a trade, the Jets will surely be one of a few teams lining up with the hope of striking a deal.
