Insider updates if Jets could fire Robert Saleh after 'lifeless' showing

Certain New York Jets defensive players appeared downright disinterested in making stops during the first half of last Thursday's 37-20 loss at the Cleveland Browns. Nevertheless, it appears head coach Robert Saleh will remain with the organization even if his 6-10 team phones in this Sunday's regular-season finale at the 4-12 New England Patriots.

"As for Robert Saleh in New York, sure, the team looked lifeless in Cleveland, but multiple people in the building have told me the Jets are all-in on Aaron Rodgers for at least one more season, and the veteran QB likes the current setup," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler explained for a piece published Wednesday.

Fowler's update is hardly surprising, as it was believed throughout 2023 that Rodgers has at least some say regarding such personnel decisions and is fond of Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and general manager Joe Douglas. While Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in September and turned 40 years old in December, the pay cut he accepted ahead of the season essentially guaranteed at that time he'd remain on the roster through the 2024 campaign as long as he's healthy. 

"It makes no sense to change for the sake of it," Fowler continued. "Rodgers values Saleh, who has faced a turbulent three-year quarterback outlook. It's hard to win with what he has had under center. Plus, the Jets' defense was good for most of the season." 

Saleh holds an overall record of 17-33 since the start of the 2021 season. Meanwhile, ESPN stats show that the Jets enter Week 18 ranked 31st in the NFL with an average of 269.5 offensive yards per game and 29th with an average of 15.7 points scored per contest for the campaign. 

Multiple noteworthy individuals, including former Jets quarterback and one-time NFL Most Valuable Player Boomer Esiason, ripped New York players for a lack of effort against Cleveland. Team owner Woody Johnson said before Christmas he plans to retain Saleh and Douglas, but it will be interesting to see how Johnson reacts if it seems his players care more about avoiding injuries than winning at Gillette Stadium this Sunday.