Aaron Rodgers-Robert Saleh relationship, explained: How Jets QB, coach get along on and off the field
Four weeks into Aaron Rodgers’ first full season as the Jets’ quarterback, there might be more questions than answers about New York’s outlook.
For the most part, Rodgers has been fine. He’s stayed healthy, aside from a minor knee issue that popped up after a Week 4 sack, and the four-time MVP has shown much of the same zip on his throws that he flashed before he tore his Achilles in 2023.
Still, something seems to be off about the Jets’ offense. New York couldn’t finish drives in an ugly 10-9 loss to the Broncos, and offensive penalties have been a thorn in the Jets’ side even in wins.Â
After the loss to Denver, Rodgers and Saleh both addressed rumors that their relationship is less than steady.
Here’s what you need to know about the state of Rodgers’ relationship with his coach.Â
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Aaron Rodgers-Robert Saleh relationship, explainedSuspicions about Rodgers’ connection with Saleh were raised when Rodgers appeared to shove his coach and say a few words after a touchdown in Week 3. There was no bad blood, according to Rodgers. The 40-year-old told reporters he was going for Saleh’s preferred “two-hand chest push” because the coach is “not a big hugger.”
Saleh echoed the sentiment, saying he and Rodgers have no issue with one another.
“Aaron and I, we’re good. Too bad there’s no cameras in the locker room,” Saleh told reporters. “He’s a big hugger, believe it or not.”
That was after a win, though. After the loss to the Broncos the following week, Rodgers and Saleh publicly disagreed about solutions for the Jets’ false start penalties.
After Saleh suggested reworking Rodgers’ pre-snap cadence, Rodgers made it clear he didn’t see it the same way as his coach. “That’s one way to do it,” a seemingly exasperated Rodgers said. “The other way is to hold [players] accountable.”
The contrasting comments fueled speculation that not all as well between Rodgers and Saleh, but the fourth-year coach attempted to put that to rest on Wednesday.
“There is no cadence issue,” Saleh said. “There never was a cadence issue. That was created. Aaron and I are fantastic.”
Robert Saleh on the whole cadence conversation with Aaron Rodgers — and their relationship: “There is no cadence issue. There never was a cadence issue. That was created. Aaron and I are fantastic.”
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) October 2, 2024Most of the rumors of a rift between Rodgers and Saleh are based on speculation, but the reality of Rodgers’ sometimes stubborn mentality and Saleh’s hard-nosed coaching style have led many to wonder whether some friction was inevitable. If the Jets leave London 2-3, many will be on high alert for any finger-pointing between the two.Â
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Will the Jets fire Robert Saleh?Midseason head coaching changes are not at all common for the Jets, so no immediate decision from the team should be expected even if the losses start to pile up. It’s clear Saleh is on the hot seat, though.
Owner Woody Johnson made his expectations well known in February, stopping short of giving Saleh and GM Joe Douglas a playoff mandate but explaining that the Jets “have to do a lot better than seven” wins.Â
“They’ve seen me about as mad as I can be,” Johnson said of Saleh and Douglas when recapping a tumultuous 2023 season.Â
While it might not have been a formal playoff mandate, it’s tough to imagine Saleh surviving an 8-9 or 9-8 season based on those comments — regardless of how Rodgers feels about him.Â
Aaron Rodgers contractRodgers is in the second year of what is effectively a three-year, $112.5 million contract.Â
Rodgers’ original deal signed with the Packers in 2022 was for three years and just north of $150 million, which made him the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback at the time. Rodgers and the Jets reworked the deal after he was traded, with the former MVP giving up $37.5 million in total to slash his cap hit each season.Â
Rodgers makes an average of $37.5 million per year on the deal, which voids after 2025. His cap hit for 2024 is just $17.2 million per year. The Jets will feel the effects of the deal even after it ends, as Rodgers’ cap hit is spread out through 2029.
