Why the Jets believe they're getting a 'different' Aaron Rodgers

After a rocky end with the Green Bay Packers, many doubt how the marriage between future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets will shake out. However, the Jets feel like they're getting a "different" Rodgers than the one that played last season donning green and gold. 

Appearing on a recent episode of the "Slow News Day" podcast, insider Albert Breer explained that the Jets believe Green Bay struggled in 2022 because Rodgers wasn't fully engaged and already had one foot out of the door.  

"They feel like if Rodgers had been around in April and May and June, it would have made a difference and is part of the reason why you didn't see as much from those guys until later in the season," Breer said. "It was because he wasn't there." 

Despite signing a three-year extension with the Packers in March ahead of the 2022 season, only a few days later, Rodgers' No. 1 target, Davante Adams, was dealt to the Las Vegas Raiders in a move that might've soured the quarterback's relationship with the organization for good. 

After that, Rodgers was a no-show at the Packers' voluntary workouts, failing to work with the team's three rookie wideouts, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure, until training camp.

Rodgers has been a good soldier as a Jet, working hands-on with the team's offensive players during off-season sessions. However, Rodgers' reach has also impacted the other side of the ball. Recently, cornerback Michael Carter II said that Rodgers points out the little things to the defense. 

"Stuff like how to really trick a good quarterback into thinking he has one read and he really doesn't," Carter told Jets contributor Jack Bell. "We have to take these lessons and I feel like it's invaluable." 

Meanwhile, Rodgers is having the time of his life as the new toast of New York. In June, Rodgers said the last month or so has been "the most fun I've had in a while." Whether all the positive energy translates into victories for the Jets, we'll all have to wait and see.