New York Jets' Aaron Rodgers Finally Has 'Legitimate NFL Talent'; Super Bowl Run Coming? - Athlon Sports Skip to main content

Jets' Aaron Rodgers Finally Has 'Legitimate NFL Talent'; Super Bowl Run Coming?

The New York Jets have been praised for giving Aaron Rodgers good weapons this offseason, but is it enough for a genuine Super Bowl push?

The New York Jets' signing of Aaron Rodgers last offseason was a blockbuster move with the franchise finally having the franchise quarterback they have been screaming for.

But the Jets didn't do a good job of putting the right pieces around Rodgers, instead "friends" like Randall Cobb (five rec, 39 yards, one touchdown) and Allen Lazard (23 rec, 311 yards, one touchdown) failed to make any impact.

Now, with a second offseason to get a lay of the land, the Jets went out and did some serious business. Rodgers got a Hall of Fame left tackle in Tyron Smith. New York drafted Penn State stud tackle Olu Fashanu and running back Braelon Allen while getting Rodgers a bonafide weapon in Mike Williams from the Los Angeles Chargers.

As such, ESPN's Bill Barnwell has named Rodgers as one of the biggest winners this offseason

"After signing wideout Mike Williams and acquiring offensive linemen Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses and John Simpson in the offseason [via free agency and a trade], New York appears to be surrounding Rodgers with legitimate NFL talent," Barnwell wrote. "GM Joe Douglas oversaw a team that broke down because of injuries and lack of depth last season, and while the roster might have looked done on offense on paper, he wisely continued to go after more talent on offense [in the draft]."

Jets' QB Aaron Rodgers prior to a December 3 game against Atlanta

With the Jets now getting some better pieces around Rodgers, naturally, expectations will be high in 2024.

Rodgers has Garrett Wilson, Lazard, and Williams as his "big 3," while Breece Hall and Allen are a one-two punch out of the backfield. Plus, Smith now protects his blindside, and Fashanu could be seen as Tyron's insurance policy, or he could plug and play elsewhere along the offensive line. So, the protection up front is better.

Defensively, the Jets were superb last season and were often let down by their offense, but after New York's dealings, Nathaniel Hackett's second year in charge "should" see an uptick in improvement, and thus, the defense, in theory, could be even better.

Of course, we have seen how rarely things go to plan, especially for the Jets with Rodgers' Achilles injury just four snaps into Week 1 last season, so while there is optimism and excitement, there's also trepidation. 

The Jets have put their best foot forward in hopes of making the most of Rodgers's remaining time in the NFL. They have given him all the tools to give the franchise a legitimate shot at Super Bowl glory.

Can he lead them to glory?