Jets’ Saleh Calls Aaron Rodgers ‘Wish List’ Report a ‘Silly Narrative’

Since the end of the NFL draft, the Jets added two veterans that played with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay: long-time Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb and veteran offensive tackle Billy Turner. The additions have once again reignited the idea that Rodgers gave the Jets a “wish list” of additions ahead of the trade.

When speaking with the media, coach Robert Saleh brushed aside the “wish list” narrative, arguing that new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who previously held the same position with the Packers, has history with these players as well.

“I’m going to try and say this as respectfully as I can, I’m not attacking anyone, I do think it’s a silly narrative,” he said. “There’s 32 teams in the NFL. It’s common practice for, when you have a new coaching staff, that you surround those people with people they are familiar with.”

Saleh explained that since he first arrived in New York two years ago, he’s brought in many players that he’s coached before to help accelerate the learning curve for the rest of the team. 

Now that Hackett is in his first year as offensive coordinator, Saleh says he lobbied for guys like Cobb, Turner and Allen Lazard that he coached previously. Saleh also mentioned the Buccaneers bringing in Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown once Tom Brady arrived.

In Saleh’s first few practices with Rodgers, he’s had nothing but praise for the quarterback, calling him another coach on the field.

“I’ve never been around a quarterback quite like him,” Saleh said.

Rodgers’s transition should be easier since he has some familiar faces in New York with him, allowing for an easier assimilation after 18 years in the same place.