NY Jets GM admits he viewed Rodgers trade as ‘very unrealistic’

Joe Douglas did not think the New York Jets had a real shot at landing Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas spoke to the media on Thursday – one week prior to the NFL’s season opener and 11 days prior to the Jets’ season opener.

Douglas discussed his excitement about what he has seen from Aaron Rodgers so far, and in the process, he admitted that he initially did not believe landing Rodgers was a feasible possibility.

Douglas says there are 5 or 6 times a day when he’s watching practice film that he’s amazed by Rodgers’ throws, decisions, etc. on the field. #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 31, 2023

Joe Douglas said after the season he felt like trading for Aaron Rodgers was “very unrealistic,” but as things progressed he slowly started to think it could happen. It took until the NFL Combine (not long before Rodgers said he wanted to go to Jets) before it felt possible.

— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) August 31, 2023

Joe Douglas said when last season ended he thought it was “unrealistic” that the #Jets would be able to get Aaron Rodgers.

Then “with each passing day” it became more and more possible.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 31, 2023

The Jets’ GM said there are “5 to 6 times a day” when he’s watching practice film and is amazed by Rodgers’ performance. In addition, he said that he felt like trading for Rodgers was “very unrealistic” after the 2022 season came to a close. Douglas added that he slowly gained hope “with each passing day”, but it wasn’t until the NFL Scouting Combine (which began on February 27) that he began to believe it was possible.

Douglas also spoke about the potential of his team pursuing aggressive in-season moves. He didn’t shoot down the possibility.

“You just have to be ready when the time comes,” Douglas said. “We’ve got great flexibility if that presents itself.”

Joe Douglas on the idea of aggressive in-season acquisitions: “You just have to be ready when the opportunity comes … we’ve got great flexibility if that presents itself.” #Jets

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 31, 2023

On the same topic, Douglas showed appreciation for Rodgers’ pay cut, calling it “unselfish” and saying it comes with an “unspoken” understanding to add more pieces that can help the Jets compete for a championship.

Douglas says Rodgers’ pay cut was “unselfish” and “gives us great flexibility,” comes with “unspoken” understanding that it’s to add talent to the roster. #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 31, 2023

While Douglas admitted his excitement about Rodgers and the entire roster, he made sure to emphasize that the team is focused on taking things one day at a time. For now, they are solely focused on the Buffalo Bills.

“[We’re] excited to move forward, excited about the season, but ultimately, excitement doesn’t win games. It’s preparation, execution, and discipline that wins games. Got a really tough matchup against the three-time defending champion Buffalo Bills of the AFC East. So, looking forward to that opportunity.”

Using every avenue to build the roster. pic.twitter.com/olPLS4nhSr

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 31, 2023

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