‘It takes two to tango’: Jets coach Robert Saleh calls potential Aaron Rodgers trade a ‘process’
amid Lamar Jackson’s trade request. The contingent surrounding Saleh was perhaps the second most populated due to New York’s quarterback situation.
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Rodgers publicly announced this month his intentions to play for the Jets following 18 seasons in Green Bay. The Packers have said in so many ways that they will acquiesce to Rodgers’ request. The final hurdle is for the two sides to agree on a trade package for Rodgers, who is still under contract with the Packers.
“There’s no hurry,” Saleh said.
The Jets coach said that as long as the quarterback has a good rapport with the offensive coordinator and understands the system, the transition should be seamless The Jets hired Nathaniel Hackett to be their offensive coordinator in January. Coincidentally (or maybe not), Hackett was Rodgers’ offensive coordinator in Green Bay from 2019-2021, when Rodgers won two Most Valuable Player awards.
Rodgers to the Jets feels inevitable at this point. All that remains is the two sides agreeing on trade compensation.
“I’m a positive thinker,” Saleh said. “I know eventually they will figure something out.”
Saleh deferred all specific trade questions to Jets general manager Joe Douglas, but he did admit Rodgers’ preference to play for the Jets is a testament to how far the organization has come. New York improved from 4-13 to 7-10 this season.
“We’ve come a long way in two years. To have a guy of his caliber,” Saleh of Rodgers. “There are a lot of guys who want to come here and play. There’s a lot of excitement around the organization. It’s a cool thing to be a part of. So hopefully we can continue moving forward and capitalize on the momentum.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.