Insider blasts Jets for 'empowering' Aaron Rodgers

Well-known NFL insider Jason La Canfora suggested there's little chance New York Jets owner Woody Johnson will fire head coach Robert Saleh this winter, in part because La Canfora assumes quarterback Aaron Rodgers "runs" the Jets. 

"If you fire Robert Saleh you’re empowering Aaron Rodgers even more," La Canfora explained on the latest edition of the "In The Huddle" podcast, as shared by Ryan Gilbert of Audacy. "Who do you think’s going to pick the head coach? Aaron Rodgers. How can he not? You’re stuck with Aaron Rodgers and you’re stuck with (offensive coordinator) Nathaniel Hackett. Aaron Rodgers might as well interview the head coaching candidates." 

The Jets hired Hackett, Rodgers' offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers from 2019 through the 2021 season before Gang Green landed the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player from the Packers this past spring. While Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles on Sept. 11 that torpedoed his first season with the Jets, he hinted on Tuesday he wants to spend at least another two campaigns as the club's QB1. 

Rodgers is also among a handful of Jets players who have defended Saleh amid whispers claiming that Johnson could part ways with the coach who holds an overall record of 16-32 with the organization. La Canfora indicated Johnson would struggle to find somebody other than Hackett to replace Saleh.

"If you fire Robert Saleh, unless you are really trying to run a complete puppet show, if you have a real head coaching search, what coach is just going to be like, 'Yeah, I’ll take the job,'" La Canfora said. "'I’m stuck with this 40-year-old quarterback and I’m stuck with his...hand-picked offensive coordinator.' Who’s taking that job?"

Saleh, Hackett and general manager Joe Douglas are all expected to remain with the Jets through the upcoming offseason. La Canfora revealed during the podcast that Johnson "was seriously considering firing (Saleh) last year and then he got sold this whole master plan for Rodgers and how Hackett’s the key" to end a postseason drought that will now last at least 13 straight campaigns. 

"He fell for the okey-doke and the problem is now he’s locked in," La Canfora added about Johnson.