Robert Saleh: Aaron Rodgers’ wish list is a “silly narrative”

[slats]

Direct from PFT: 

Posted by Myles Simmons on May 5, 2023, 2:41 PM EDT

 

Before Aaron Rodgers was officially traded from the Packers to the Jets, the quarterback had reportedly given New York a so-called wish list of players he’d like to have on the roster in 2023.

The Jets have added players Rodgers is familiar with like receiver Allen Lazard, receiver Randall Cobb, and offensive lineman Billy Turner.

On Friday, head coach Robert Saleh was asked about that wish list and whether there was a conversation about players Rodgers wanted to have with him on his new team. That gave Saleh an opportunity to push back and he took it.

“So, I can try to say this as respectfully as I can — I’m not attacking anyone. It’s just that I do think it’s a silly narrative, with regards to a ‘wish list,’” Saleh said in his press conference. “And I say that because there’s 32 teams in the NFL. And it’s common practice for when there’s changes, when you have a new coaching staff, when you have people coming in, that you surround those people with people they’re familiar with.

“I had a wish list — Solomon Thomas, Marcell Harris, D.J. Reed, Kwon Alexander — guys who I’ve worked with who were very familiar with our messaging, very familiar with our scheme, who can come in and play. We had it on offense with Laken Tomlinson, Tevin Coleman, and guys who have been in the system. Shoot, Tom Brady goes to Tampa and he gets [Rob] Gronkowski and Antonio Brown. So, it is very common for new faces to want old faces — to be able to come in and accelerate the installation of a program.”

Moreover, Saleh added, those players are familiar with new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett — not just Rodgers.

“Everything’s being pinned on the quarterback — it’s not just him,” Saleh said. “Hackett has something to say about it. He loves Lazard, loves Randall, took Billy Turner with him to Denver and wanted him here in [New York]. So, of course you’re going to surround a coach with people who he feels will be able to plant the flag.

“So, that whole narrative of whatever people are trying to put on the quarterback, I think it’s tired.”

Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, Saleh was then asked if his team is planning to bring in tight end Marcedes Lewis. Saleh laughed and said, “You never know.”

But Saleh said that when it comes time to play, Rodgers’ familiarity with a certain player won’t override who gives the Jets the best chance to win.

“At the end of the day, the best 53 will be on the football team,” Saleh said. “And then the best 11 will be on the football field when it’s time to snap the ball. But at the same time, the reason why we’re excited to bring those guys is because they stand for everything we believe in. Look at Allen Lazard, he came in as an undrafted free agent and he’s got all this unbelievable ability to him and he’s made himself. Randall has such an amazing amount of experience. Billy Turner has so much experience. But they’re internally driven individuals who just want to win football games. And they love the game of football.

“And it’s like, well why wouldn’t you bring them in to help accelerate and plant the flag and echo the message that Nathaniel and his staff are trying to accomplish?”

We’ll see who’s on the roster and who ends up on the field in September.

[rangerous]

It a non issue.  So Rodgers wants to play with his guys. So far as I can tell, everyone the jets picked on Rodgers nice to have list fills a need on the jets.

[Beerfish]

For me, the Hackett Hire was very dubious, if Rodgers did not come here it would have been very dubious.

Lazard got a bit of a premium but he is okay, not great but wont be bad.

Cobb is the one that I think is not good at all. 

In the end it is all on how Rodgers plays as to if this window is a success or fail.

 

[T0mShane]

16 minutes ago, Beerfish said:

For me, the Hackett Hire was very dubious, if Rodgers did not come here it would have been very dubious.

Lazard got a bit of a premium but he is okay, not great but wont be bad.

Cobb is the one that I think is not good at all. 

In the end it is all on how Rodgers plays as to if this window is a success or fail.

 

Cobb is a better receiving option than Berrios across the board and costs a fraction of what Berrios was making. If you think of it as a one to one trade, it’s a win for the Jets. 

[undertow]

Just now, T0mShane said:

Cobb is a better receiving option than Berrios across the board and costs a fraction of what Berrios was making. If you think of it as a one to one trade, it’s a win for the Jets. 

I want to be angry so I will make pretend it was Cobb or Hopkins.

[dbatesman]

[slimjasi]

Rodgers is the only guy not allowed to want to play with guys he's had success with before. When Brady campaigned for that lunatic Antonio Brown and Gronk, it was all good in the hood. 

[JETS SB]

50 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

Cobb is a better receiving option than Berrios across the board and costs a fraction of what Berrios was making. If you think of it as a one to one trade, it’s a win for the Jets. 

Berrios is not even on the same stratosphere as Randall Cobb as a receiver.  Berrios was a good returner. Not a good receiver. 

[Larz]

He brought up good points, Hackett has input too, and it’s very common.  
 

 

[Asymmetrical]

zero problem with Lazard or Turner. Cobb seems shot 

[Beerfish]

1 hour ago, T0mShane said:

Cobb is a better receiving option than Berrios across the board and costs a fraction of what Berrios was making. If you think of it as a one to one trade, it’s a win for the Jets. 

Well Berrios got paid in large part due to special teams, cobb won;t be playing any specials.

[LAJohn]

I think the issue isn’t so much bringing in Cobb. He’s a capable backup slot receiver. It’s just that no other team would have probably signed Randall Cobb. Typically his role can be filled by a young player who is also good on special teams. 

[Lupz27]

3 hours ago, slats said:

Direct from PFT: 

Posted by Myles Simmons on May 5, 2023, 2:41 PM EDT

 

Before Aaron Rodgers was officially traded from the Packers to the Jets, the quarterback had reportedly given New York a so-called wish list of players he’d like to have on the roster in 2023.

The Jets have added players Rodgers is familiar with like receiver Allen Lazard, receiver Randall Cobb, and offensive lineman Billy Turner.

On Friday, head coach Robert Saleh was asked about that wish list and whether there was a conversation about players Rodgers wanted to have with him on his new team. That gave Saleh an opportunity to push back and he took it.

“So, I can try to say this as respectfully as I can — I’m not attacking anyone. It’s just that I do think it’s a silly narrative, with regards to a ‘wish list,’” Saleh said in his press conference. “And I say that because there’s 32 teams in the NFL. And it’s common practice for when there’s changes, when you have a new coaching staff, when you have people coming in, that you surround those people with people they’re familiar with.

“I had a wish list — Solomon Thomas, Marcell Harris, D.J. Reed, Kwon Alexander — guys who I’ve worked with who were very familiar with our messaging, very familiar with our scheme, who can come in and play. We had it on offense with Laken Tomlinson, Tevin Coleman, and guys who have been in the system. Shoot, Tom Brady goes to Tampa and he gets [Rob] Gronkowski and Antonio Brown. So, it is very common for new faces to want old faces — to be able to come in and accelerate the installation of a program.”

Moreover, Saleh added, those players are familiar with new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett — not just Rodgers.

“Everything’s being pinned on the quarterback — it’s not just him,” Saleh said. “Hackett has something to say about it. He loves Lazard, loves Randall, took Billy Turner with him to Denver and wanted him here in [New York]. So, of course you’re going to surround a coach with people who he feels will be able to plant the flag.

“So, that whole narrative of whatever people are trying to put on the quarterback, I think it’s tired.”

Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, Saleh was then asked if his team is planning to bring in tight end Marcedes Lewis. Saleh laughed and said, “You never know.”

But Saleh said that when it comes time to play, Rodgers’ familiarity with a certain player won’t override who gives the Jets the best chance to win.

“At the end of the day, the best 53 will be on the football team,” Saleh said. “And then the best 11 will be on the football field when it’s time to snap the ball. But at the same time, the reason why we’re excited to bring those guys is because they stand for everything we believe in. Look at Allen Lazard, he came in as an undrafted free agent and he’s got all this unbelievable ability to him and he’s made himself. Randall has such an amazing amount of experience. Billy Turner has so much experience. But they’re internally driven individuals who just want to win football games. And they love the game of football.

“And it’s like, well why wouldn’t you bring them in to help accelerate and plant the flag and echo the message that Nathaniel and his staff are trying to accomplish?”

We’ll see who’s on the roster and who ends up on the field in September.

Wow I applaud Saleh here for being so straightforward and honest.

The NFL, heck the world needs more of this.

Also this question/subject should not be asked by anyone again Saleh literally left nothing to the imagination in the answer, so anyone who keeps questioning this has an agenda and the answer should be next question. 
 

Media gonna Media so I’m sure he will have to hear this question 100 more times ugh.

[T0mShane]

2 hours ago, Beerfish said:

Well Berrios got paid in large part due to special teams, cobb won;t be playing any specials.

Definitely a concern, and probably means the end of Mims unless Mims decides he wants to run down on punt coverage

[ElBarrioJets]

Did it occur to anyone that Cobb can just stay on the PS if one of the young guys outshines him in camp? Vets can do that now.

Give Rodgers his buddy, put Cobb on the PS where he won't get poached/is cheap depth, young guys get to play, everyone wins.

[RevisIsland610]

First time I have ever agreed with everything Saleh said. He is a 100% correct here. It's a non issue. 

[JETS SB]

I would think, when they met with him in Cali, we asked AR if there were guys he would like for us to obtain. Not the other way around. It would be idiotic to meet with the guy for half of a day and not ask him. Why wouldn’t we want to get players and coaches surrounding him that would not only help us win and at the same time, make him feel at home. One of the main reasons we hired Hackett, was with the hope of obtaining Rodgers. 

 

[PepPep]

Is this Saleh’s first…

[Charlie Brown]

10 hours ago, slimjasi said:

Rodgers is the only guy not allowed to want to play with guys he's had success with before. When Brady campaigned for that lunatic Antonio Brown and Gronk, it was all good in the hood. 

Not only was it alright, but when Brady did it Brady’s actions were actually lauded and praised as a sign of his leadership and willingness to want to win!

[Warfish]

Says it’s a silly narrative.

Then explains that everyone does it.

Got it.

Ws this a big controversy that needed to be addressed? Or is this same old Saleh taking too much.

[The Crusher]

8 hours ago, T0mShane said:

Definitely a concern, and probably means the end of Mims unless Mims decides he wants to run down on punt coverage

Desperate times T0m, desperate times. 

[SomebodytoAnybody47]

8 minutes ago, Warfish said:

Says it’s a silly narrative.

Then explains that everyone does it.

Got it.

Ws this a big controversy that needed to be addressed? Or is this same old Saleh taking too much.

Well you see, he was partaking in a press conference where they ask different questions and was asked to comment on it. 

[jtomm]

10 hours ago, slimjasi said:

Rodgers is the only guy not allowed to want to play with guys he's had success with before. When Brady campaigned for that lunatic Antonio Brown and Gronk, it was all good in the hood. 

This   ^^        i'm not sure how much cobb has left               

[Warfish]

17 minutes ago, Zachtomims47 said:

Well you see, he was partaking in a press conference where they ask different questions and was asked to comment on it. 

Here is my answer if that were asked:  "We build our team same as everyone else, LOL, next question...."

Total non-issue, Saleh didn't need to lecture like a professor about.  He's his own worst enemy, the man never shuts up.

But I get it, fans are in a state of total euphoria, so even Saleh's endless yapping will be beloved right now, lol.

[CSNY]

8 minutes ago, Warfish said:

Here is my answer if that were asked:  "We build our team same as everyone else, LOL, next question...."

Total non-issue, Saleh didn't need to lecture like a professor about.  He's his own worst enemy, the man never shuts up.

But I get it, fans are in a state of total euphoria, so even Saleh's endless yapping will be beloved right now, lol.

Would you rather Saleh answer questions in the manner of the HC of the NE Patriots?  He was trying to be respectful of the press corps in his answer without bluntly saying “ Dude Really “ This is much ado about nothing 

[SomebodytoAnybody47]

14 minutes ago, Warfish said:

Here is my answer if that were asked:  "We build our team same as everyone else, LOL, next question...."

Total non-issue, Saleh didn't need to lecture like a professor about.  He's his own worst enemy, the man never shuts up.

But I get it, fans are in a state of total euphoria, so even Saleh's endless yapping will be beloved right now, lol.

Still is a non issue. He was asked, he gave a detailed answer to help explain what happens. Nothing wrong here. 

[Lith]

11 hours ago, Beerfish said:

Well Berrios got paid in large part due to special teams, cobb won;t be playing any specials.

On the other hand, Cobb is a guy who will be right where AR expects him to be.  There is a lot of value to that on 3rd and 7, with a pass rush in his face.  I don't think the details of his contract have been released, but Cobb probably has more value to us than to any other team based on the familiarity with Rodgers.

[FidelioJet]

38 minutes ago, Warfish said:

Here is my answer if that were asked:  "We build our team same as everyone else, LOL, next question...."

Total non-issue, Saleh didn't need to lecture like a professor about.  He's his own worst enemy, the man never shuts up.

But I get it, fans are in a state of total euphoria, so even Saleh's endless yapping will be beloved right now, lol.

I took it more of a guy protecting his new QB.

The guy does talk too much, don't disagree - but in this case, backing up Rodgers was probably a smart move.

[slats]

37 minutes ago, Warfish said:

Here is my answer if that were asked:  "We build our team same as everyone else, LOL, next question...."

Total non-issue, Saleh didn't need to lecture like a professor about.  He's his own worst enemy, the man never shuts up.

But I get it, fans are in a state of total euphoria, so even Saleh's endless yapping will be beloved right now, lol.

If this is masquerading as a issue with Saleh, he must be doing a pretty decent job. 

[sec101row23]

15 minutes ago, Lith said:

On the other hand, Cobb is a guy who will be right where AR expects him to be.  There is a lot of value to that on 3rd and 7, with a pass rush in your face.  I don't think the details of his contract have been released, but Cobb probably has more value to us than to any other team based on the familiarity with Rodgers.

Exactly.  We’ve seen a revolving door of garbage off the street free agents as the 4th, 5th, and 6th receivers on this roster over the last decade.  Now people have an issue with bringing in an older vet for depth with experience with the new QB and system? People have short memories around here.   

[Jethead]

1 hour ago, Warfish said:

Says it’s a silly narrative.

Then explains that everyone does it.

Got it.

Ws this a big controversy that needed to be addressed? Or is this same old Saleh taking too much.

He got asked the question and he answered it. Sounded like John Madden. Would you have preferred a demeaning Belicheat answer. Not his style thankfully.

[C Mart]

13 hours ago, rangerous said:

It a non issue.  So Rodgers wants to play with his guys. So far as I can tell, everyone the jets picked on Rodgers nice to have list fills a need on the jets.

And Turner & Cobb are 1 yr deals. Lazard basically a 2 yr deal. 

But keep going lazy media. Keep the BS narrative going. 

[Integrity28]

Eh, you all did backflips over Jim Leonard. Chill the beans.

[k-met57]

I love jets fans sh*tting on randall cobb....when we are out here starting Jeff Smith, David Clowney, Breshard Perriman, and Denzel Mims.

 

1. he makes our QB comfortable, even if he doesn't offer any upside

2. he is still better then Berrios and Mims as a receiver. Berrios career year he had as many yards as Cobb had last year...and he is shot

 

and what Saleh said was exactly right. when you make a gigantic shift such as changing systems, or coaches, you want as many guys who can help launch the team as possible. who cares if Rodgers and Hackett decided to bring them here?

[jgb]

8 minutes ago, k-met57 said:

I love jets fans sh*tting on randall cobb....when we are out here starting Jeff Smith, David Clowney, Breshard Perriman, and Denzel Mims.

 

1. he makes our QB comfortable, even if he doesn't offer any upside

2. he is still better then Berrios and Mims as a receiver. Berrios career year he had as many yards as Cobb had last year...and he is shot

 

and what Saleh said was exactly right. when you make a gigantic shift such as changing systems, or coaches, you want as many guys who can help launch the team as possible. who cares if Rodgers and Hackett decided to bring them here?

I agree. Although I’ll say it’s a lot better to be bickering over a WR 3/4 than QB1 for once.