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Wealthy Cimini, ESPN Workers Author
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets coach Robert Saleh needs all this speak about a want checklist would go away. Maybe attempting to defend Aaron Rodgers from criticism, Saleh stated Friday it is a “foolish narrative” to say the Jets are signing former Rodgers teammates just because the brand new quarterback is pulling the strings.
The Jets have added 4 ex-Green Bay Packers – large receiver Allen Lazard, quarterback Tim Boyle, sort out Billy Turner and receiver Randall Cobb, who signed a one-year contract on Wednesday.
“It is quite common for brand spanking new faces to need outdated faces, to come back in and assist speed up the set up of a complete program,” Saleh stated initially of rookie minicamp. “All the pieces is pinned on the quarterback. It is not simply him.
“(Offensive coordinator Nathaniel) Hackett has one thing to say about it. He loves Lazard. He loves Randall. He took Billy Turner with him to Denver, and he wished him right here. After all, you are going to encompass a coach with individuals who he appears like will plant the flag.
“That complete narrative — what persons are attempting to placed on the quarterback — it is drained. It is common apply within the NFL.”
Hackett is aware of all 4 gamers, having served because the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2021. Saleh famous that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did the identical factor with Tom Brady, including two gamers that he wished – tight finish Rob Gronkowski and large receiver Antonio Brown.
Rodgers’ so-called want checklist was reported in March by ESPN’s Dianna Russini. On the time, Rodgers downplayed the report, however acknowledged that he had shared his ideas about his favourite gamers in a sitdown with Jets’ brass at his dwelling in Malibu, California.
Lazard and Cobb had been on the “checklist.” So had been tight finish Marcedes Lewis and large receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. The Jets pursued Beckham in free company – even had a go to scheduled – however he opted to signal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Requested if they’ve curiosity in Lewis, Saleh smiled and stated, “You by no means know.”
Rodgers and Cobb, teammates for 10 seasons, are extraordinarily shut. When Rodgers walked off Lambeau Discipline after the 2022 finale, realizing it could be his ultimate sport in a Packers’ uniform, he made positive that Cobb was at his facet.
Cobb, 32, joins a crowded receiving corps.
The Jets even have Garrett Wilson (2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Yr, Corey Davis and newcomer Mecole Hardman and Lazard. There was lots of hypothesis about Davis’ roster spot. He is coming off two injury-plagued seasons and has an $11.2 million cap cost, with a non-guaranteed wage of $10.5 million.
“He will be on the crew,” Saleh stated of Davis.
In the meantime, Saleh continued to gush about Rodgers’ early impression, saying, “I’ve by no means been round a quarterback fairly like him.” Rodgers has impressed together with his means to speak with teammates on and off the sphere, in accordance with Saleh.
That Rodgers is taking part in voluntary exercises is a departure from his current previous in Inexperienced Bay, however he wish to use this time to construct chemistry together with his new teammates and get acclimated in new environment.
“You see a fireplace within the man’s eye once you sit down and discuss to him,” Saleh stated. “He is coming right here to win.”