"Everybody" Didn't Want Aaron Rodgers to Come to the Jets

The NY Jets and Giants, both who don't actually play in New York, did not have good seasons. They ended things on a better note, including the Jets FINALLLY beating the Patriots. It looked like they might blow it again, but this Patriots team is just that bad. The Eagles, like various teams not playing for much, looked bad too. They have looked off for a while. They lost to the Jets too earlier this season.

Aaron Rodgers famously got hurt after a few plays. Let me note that the fact "everybody cheered" when they got him is bullshit. The fact Mike Lupica tosses in how "everybody" was "hopeful" a 39-year-old going on 40, whose team was eliminated (after a mediocre season) by an already eliminated team would still have magic is telling.

I didn't want the guy. I worried he was too old. I worried he would get injured. I saw that when years back the Jets signed Brett Favre, another dubious off-the-field guy.  

I thought the Jets had a great defense. The thing to do would be to sign a younger journeyman. Meanwhile, sooner than later, try to draft a QB of the future. Plus, with the anti-vax bullshit, the guy poisoned the well.

I was not the only one who felt that way. Plus, if you DO sign the guy, make sure you have a decent backup. Not the guy you sat with last season since he didn't have what it took (even if he teased you at times). 

They did not. I did not blame them for avoiding Joe "off the couch, into the playoffs" Flacco. He surely didn't thrive when he was on the Jets. But, get someone like that. A career player who you can trust. Something like the guy playing backup for the Giants. Though he has been a mixed bag. 

Aaron Rodgers (who some spun as having some remarkable recovery but in the end seemed not somehow a Superman on that front and was given the "most inspirational" award by his teammates ... okay) continued to shoot off his mouth. A line was crossed when he "playfully" accused Jimmy Kimmel of being on the latest Jeff Epstein (the sex offender) list.

"Dear (expletive): for the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein," Kimmel responded, "nor will you find my name on any 'list' other than the clearly phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality. Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court."

The USA Today analysis (including linking an article reporting he was paid millions for being on the ESPN talk show involved) provides helpful details. This includes Rodgers' tendency to hold grudges and how Kimmel has been on him for a while, particularly because of the anti-vax bit. Kimmel has a personal reason to care about good health care. 

I don't want this asshole to QB the Jets in 2024. They signed a lousy offense coordinator because he was "Aaron's guy" and it showed in 2024. I saw Brett Favre have a good half-plus season and then freefall at the end. What if Rodgers even has a good season?  He's over 40 years old. 

Teams sometimes bring in people with disreputable personal histories. The insult to injury here is the guy is not who the Jets need as a player.

New York made it clear during the deadline in '23 that they didn't plan on competing in the '24 season. However, they wanted to add players who could help them be competitive. The recent moves prove that they're doing exactly that after signing Harrison Bader to a contract earlier in the week and now signing Manaea on Sunday morning.

The Mets m.o. for 2024 has been to sign some decent short-timers, including the latest, Sean Manaea, who received a two-year deal (28M, player opt-out at the end of the season). Looks like he was paid 10M last season with decent returns, underlining how much it costs to get talent these days. 

Basebal parity (with three wild cards) is such that "competitive" amounts to being "in competiting" for at least a playoff spot. The Mets starting rotation is now two pitchers reasonably labeled top line starters (one a short timer) and a bunch of back-end guys (including a Yankee reclaimation project that might show more). I know it's not exciting. But, the team has to work for the long haul.

The deadline deals last season were sensible. They didn't even hurt much long time except for Verlander, who is old, and wasn't himself until midseason. They received good prospects. Their ace closer should be back. Hopefully their young guys do well. I am guardedly hopeful for a decent season.

I am a long sufferring Mets fan. But, I don't think they are "tanking" or "worse than last year" quite yet. They are being sensible for a change. They tried to get a big contract. He went to the Dodgers. Not sure what other big name they should break the bank for.