Aaron Rodgers has been laser-focused on one target all season: Garrett Wilson. In the recent showdown against the Vikings, Wilson had an astonishing 23 targets, snagging 13 catches and a touchdown. But here’s the twist—this ultra-dependence on Wilson has fans speculating: is Rodgers intentionally forcing the issue? Rumors are flying that Wilson’s sudden rise in usage may be more than just strategy—it could be part of an ongoing power play between Rodgers and (now former) Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
Per former NFL guard and Rodgers’ ex-teammate TJ Lang, Saleh was reportedly hesitant to bring in Rodgers’ favorite former teammate, Davante Adams, which rubbed Rodgers the wrong way. So, could Rodgers’ risky throws—three interceptions, including two in the first quarter—be a calculated move to show just how much he “needs” a receiver like Adams? Lang hinted at that very possibility on The Valenti Show with Rico, suggesting the uncharacteristic throws looked like Rodgers making a point: “Oh, you don’t want Davante? Okay, watch this. Watch, I’m going to show you how much we need him.”
But if you thought that was all, hold onto your hats, because conspiracy theorists have even bigger ideas. Rico floated the theory that Jets owner Woody Johnson fired Saleh with an eye on replacing him with a legendary coach like Bill Belichick or Mike Vrabel. Sure, Belichick heading to Gang Green feels far-fetched, given his history with the Jets, but in the NFL, never say never.
Rodgers’ chemistry with Adams is no secret—those eight seasons together helped him land back-to-back MVP awards. And when Rodgers mentioned that defenses are laser-focused on taking Wilson away, it sounded like a veiled hint for reinforcements, a new reliable receiver. Could Rodgers be quietly sending a message to the Jets’ front office?
Beyond the field, Rodgers tried to absorb some blame for the chaos that followed Saleh’s firing and Hackett’s demotion, saying, “If I play better, this doesn’t happen.” Still, Rodgers’ words can’t cover up the deep cracks in the Jets’ structure. Saleh’s defensive unit was elite, but his offensive influence reportedly lagged behind, with some reports claiming he was hands-off in offensive meetings. This year, Saleh aimed to take control, reportedly seeking OC talent like Eric Bieniemy and Kliff Kingsbury. But instead of building out his team, Saleh found himself out of a job.
The Rodgers-era Jets are down, but not out. With 12 games left, including a pivotal matchup against the Bills, Rodgers is ready to make one more push. Can the Jets go from a tumultuous start to the top of their division? For now, fans will have to stay tuned and hope A-Rod can turn this season around—without a hidden agenda.
