The New York Jets have landed one of the biggest names in the NFL – Aaron Rodgers and the Jets General Manager Joe Douglas couldn’t contain his excitement as he spoke to reporters about the acquisition.
The Jets were eyeing Aaron from early January when the franchise owner Woody Johnson marked quarterback as “the missing piece” and hinted to make a bold move to bounce back in the league.
What did the Jets’ GM Joe Douglas say after the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers?
A day after finalizing a seismic trade, the Jets GM Joe Douglas opened up to the reporters at the franchise’s pre-draft press conference on Tuesday.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini asked about the risk of paying a hefty price to pay for a player who will turn 40 soon and might only play one year in New York, however, the GM boldly defended the compensation given up for the veteran QB in response to that question.
Douglas replied citing they were looking forward to acquiring the four-time MVP, hence, the shape of the trade couldn’t bother them, and expressed his excitement to witness the legendary QB donning their jersey.
Joe Douglas on the trade package that the Jets are giving up for Aaron Rodgers:
"We're comfortable with how this deal is shaped. Ultimately, our goal from the beginning was to add Aaron to the team." pic.twitter.com/IyHVjP4NNH
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) April 25, 2023
“We’re comfortable with how this deal is shaped. In any negotiation, I don’t think anyone walks away where you feel you won everything, in terms of what’s gone back and forth. But ultimately our goal from the beginning was to add Aaron to the team. We were able to agree to terms to that yesterday and just excited to get him here.”
The Jets GM later thanked coach Robert Saleh for implementing the process of acquisition and adaptation by mentioning Aaron “one of the best quarterbacks to ever play this game”.
“To have an opportunity to acquire a player of that caliber, you’re always going to look into it and how it fits within our culture and in our team. It’s a real credit to Robert [Saleh], his staff and what he’s been able to implement with our players and with everyone here that a player of Aaron’s caliber would even want to come here. We’re all excited to add someone of his character and his ability”, Douglas added.
The 10-time Pro Bowler will replace 2021 No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson and is expected to be the ultimate missing piece for the Jets as they are facing a 54-year Super Bowl drought and the NFL’s longest active streak without a playoff appearance (12 seasons).
Fans of the Jets are understandably excited about the news, and many are already speculating about how Rodgers will fit into the team’s offense. With training camp just a few months away, all eyes will be on the Jets as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting season.
Are you also excited to see Aaron shining in Gang Green? You can tell us in the comments.
