Another Aaron Rodgers transplant sees major difference in QB as a New York Jet
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 26: (L-R) New York Jets team owner Christopher Johnson, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and team owner Woody Johnson, pose for a picture during an introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Another New York Jets newcomer and one-time member of the Green Bay Packers had some positive thoughts about quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Some of the new additions to the New York Jets this offseason are obvious, especially when you consider the team’s most prominent new face. Of course, a number of them relate to the franchise acquiring four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers via trade in late April.
Wide receiver Randall Cobb was a second-round draft choice by the Packers in 2011 and played in 10 different seasons with Rodgers behind center. Receiver Allen Lazard spent the previous five seasons with the prolific signal-caller after signing with the club in 2018.
New Jets’ offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett didn’t make it through the 2022 campaign as head coach of the Denver Broncos. However, he did spend three seasons in Green Bay as the team’s offensive coordinator. During that span, Rodgers completed 67.1 percent of his passes for a combined 12,416 yards and 111 touchdowns, with just 13 interceptions in 48 regular-season contests. In 2022, the Packers’ quarterback threw for 26 scores and was picked off 12 times.
Jets: Is Aaron Rodgers happier in New York?
There is one more free-agent addition for the New York Jets that saw his share of action in Green Bay with Rodgers behind center. These days, versatile offensive lineman Billy Turner had these observations regarding Rodgers.
Back in 2019, Turner was the less-heralded member of Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst’s stellar free-agent class. It included outside linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith and safety Adrian Amos. He spent three seasons playing all along the offensive front. Last offseason, he was released by the Packers and joined Hackett in Denver. He hit the free-agent market in mid-March and the Jets inked him to a one-year, $1.65 million contract.
Now Turner is reunited with not only Hackett but Rodgers as well. Apparently, he is liking what he is seeing from the 18-year NFL veteran. That can only help a Jets franchise that is looking to snap the NFL’s longest active playoff drought.
