The New York Jets’ once-promising 2023–24 season took a severe blow with Aaron Rodgers’s torn Achilles tendon injury, leading to various repercussions for the team, as revealed in a Wednesday report by The Athletic.
Initially, when Rodgers joined the Jets, the expectation was for him to mentor third-year quarterback Zach Wilson. According to the report, their relationship began positively, with Rodgers assisting Wilson in regaining confidence while accepting a learning role from the sidelines for a season.
However, their camaraderie took a downturn after Rodgers’s injury. Wilson, expecting regular communication with the veteran QB, found Rodgers often away in California during his rehab, leading to limited availability.
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Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett had tailored the Jets’ scheme for Rodgers and failed to adjust for Wilson. Adding to the issues, Wilson reportedly harbored resentment towards coach Robert Saleh for excessive praise of Rodgers during his remarkable comeback attempt from the injury.
This discontent played a role in Wilson initially refusing to reclaim the starting role after being benched for Tim Boyle in Week 12, despite Saleh and Rodgers urging him to reconsider. Wilson only relented after reports of his decision became public.
As Rodgers prepares to return for the 2024 season with Hackett overseeing the offense, Wilson has been informed of an upcoming trade during the offseason. This shift in direction appears to mark a challenging future for Wilson with the Jets.
