What next for Aaron Rodgers and Jets? Owner’s decisions and turmoil set to leave fans hanging

The mood at the New York Jets facilities was gloomy once players learned that owner Woody Johnson fired GM Joe Douglas. Most of them have been there throughout the time Aaron Rodgers shared a locker with them. But they knew heading back home, that the past two years have been rocky at best.

It could spawn discussions among them as they try to get a grip on how their footballing world has changed. But they know all too well that whatever they decide will have no impact, as the situation the team is in necessitates some major changes.

Those footballers earning millions will also know that the moment they step out of their homes, they could face an angry Jets fan. They will also likely face the wrath of those fans when they face the Seattle Seahawks on their return from their bye week.

Some could be thinking about their own futures, whereas others might be wondering how can they start winning games and right this sinking ship. Evidently, they know the squad was good enough to contend for a Super Bowl. But as of now, the New York Jets are in turmoil.

Aaron Rodgers and the dilemma about his performances

Those Super Bowl hopes saw fans and analysts talk up lofty expectations before the start of the season. Even the first round draft pick Olu Fashanu and his family were ecstatic that he was going to block for Aaron Rodgers and possibly fight for that Super Bowl in his rookie season. However, many knew that the QB would need time to shake off the rust.

But after five games, the way Robert Saleh was fired sent shockwaves throughout the footballing world. Even some players expressed their disappointment with the media when quizzed about the situation. But they are professionals and are expected to do the job they are paid millions for.

So is their 40-year-old quarterback, but somehow, he did not show professionalism from the start. That trip to Egypt during mandatory minicamp set a tone that showed his influence on the franchise and Robert Saleh’s lack of.

But with Saleh gone and then close friend Davante Adams coming in, they were expected to turn things around. It has been anything but a turnaround as Rodgers’ bottom eight in the league QBR rating continued to show on the field.

A team is a combination of offense, defense and special teams. With the defense struggling and special teams non-existent, the onus was on the four-time league MVP. But he disappointed everyone who bet on him. Now the most important question on everyone’s mind is if the New York Jets can depend on a near 41 years old, who is showing all signs of decline.

The rest of the New York Jets roster

That decline was not just restricted to Aaron Rodgers. Most of the veteran additions such as Tyron Smith, Haason Reddick and Davante Adams have not panned out. Smith has given up more sacks than any other offensive linemen. Reddick first had that locker room affecting holdout, then has four tackles and .5 sacks to show for in four games.

Davante Adams is averaging nearly 20 yards less per game than during his first few games with the Las Vegas Raiders. Those games were with a journeymen quarterback and his backup. Whereas his downturn in performance has come with his close friend at quarterback and a familiar offensive scheme.

When Joe Douglas had to sign these players, it was not anticipated that they would be this bad. But the way the organization runs suggests these were not the now former GM’s choices. His choices in the past have in turn become franchise cornerstones.

The likes of Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, etc. have all turned out to be stud players. Even drafting Fashanu was a masterstroke with an eye on the future. But Douglas also wanted to extend young stars Bryce Huff and Meckhi Becton.

With Woody Johnson allegedly vetoing Huff’s extension, those two stars took their wares to the Philadelphia Eagles. Huff is more of a future trade for them, but Becton has played at a Pro-Bowl caliber level this season. These questionable decisions point to an alleged power play in the organization.

Woody Johnson and Aaron Rodgers

As per Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, owner Woody Johnson was increasingly flexing his power on the team. Those vetoes on extensions, pushing Douglas to trade for Adams and other veterans, all point to that power play.

When Robert Saleh was fired, many felt that it was a decision the billionaire took after consultation with his superstar quarterback. They tried to deflect it by suggesting the call the night before was about an owner checking up on his favorite employee and his well-being.

But analysts such as Stephen A. Smith were clear that the decision to fire Saleh had both their fingerprints on it. Yes, news has been flaming networks of the 77-year-old owner’s intentions to bench Rodgers after their loss to the Broncos, but benching does not necessarily mean the Super Bowl champion was not going to return as a starter. Rather, it could have been a chance to motivate him.

The only reason he backed out is once coaching staff and Joe Douglas informed him of the detrimental effect it will have on Rodgers and the team in general. So it could be that he backed out, as he did not want to upset his superstar.

All of this points to the fact that currently, Woody Johnson is running the New York Jets the way he and Aaron Rodgers want it. Therefore, even if it is a failed season, he must have optimism that recovery during the offseason and the Rodgers way will help them deliver that long awaited second Super Bowl.

Will New York Jets fans see their team winning a Super Bowl?

Next year, those Super Bowl hopes might not be a far-fetched dream. Most of the players on the roster will continue on their contracts. But the veterans are where the question marks start. Davante Adams’ cap hit next season is detrimental to their goal. Tyron Smith, Reddick and a few other veterans are also free agents.

The question that the franchise needs to answer first is whether quality free agents will want to go there. With a non-existent front office, question marks surrounding the coaching staff, and the overall misery as a locker room chemistry, it won’t be easy. Prized veterans will look at how they handled Reddick’s contract demands.

Others will be wary of possible conflict with Aaron Rodgers. Then there is the doubt about what Woody Johnson wants to do.

The New York Jets are on the verge of imploding, and for those fans who proudly wear that green, they have to pin their hopes on President elect Donald Trump helping hand the team back into the hands of Christopher Johnson.

Related: Davante Adams feels Jets are in a much better position than Raiders, his former team, despite similar record