Aaron Rodgers believes this surprising NY Jets WR should be playing more

The NY Jets made the decision to trade veteran wide receiver Mike Williams away prior to the deadline this past Tuesday. The Williams trade leaves the Jets dangerously thin at the wide receiver position, but it also presents an opportunity for some of the other receivers on the roster to make an impact.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke to reporters on Wednesday and spoke about Williams' absence while expressing excitement for the younger wide receivers on the team.

Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams will receive the majority of the wide receiver targets, but the WR3 role is vacant for the time being until Allen Lazard returns. Who does Rodgers believe should step into that role?

Should it be someone like rookie Malachi Corley, who has been buried on the depth chart? Should it be Xavier Gipson, who Rodgers has praised extensively in the past? No, Rodgers didn't mention either of those players. Instead, the four-time MVP provided a vote of confidence in special-teamer Irvin Charles.

Aaron Rodgers wants Irvin Charles to step up in the NY Jets' WR room

A former undrafted free agent, Charles has carved out a nice role for himself as the Jets' resident special-teams ace. The New Jersey native has 12 career special-teams tackles in 21 games, although he's yet to record his first NFL catch.

In fact, Charles has only been targeted twice in his career and has played only five offensive snaps in 2024. Despite this, Rodgers is pushing for the 27-year-old wideout to receive an increase in playing time.

Rodgers praised Charles' work ethic extensively on Wednesday, calling him "unselfish" while highlighting the strides he took as a receiver this summer. That's some high praise from one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.

Of course, many Jets fans would love to see Corley receive the biggest uptick in snaps following the Williams trade. Despite his disastrous gaffe in Week 9 against the Houston Texans, Corley flashed his upside in the summer and was supposed to have a role in the Jets offense this season.

Right now, it seems the Jets' coaching staff doesn't seem to trust the rookie very much, and his accidental fumble last Thursday didn't help his case. The Jets clearly need to see more from Corley before he's given a larger role.

The most likely candidate to receive an increase in playing time is Gipson, who remains ahead of Corley and Charles on the depth chart. Gipson has hauled in just four passes for 23 yards this season, but he's played 97 offensive snaps as compared to a combined 19 between Corley and Charles.

The Jets will lean on Adams, Wilson, their running backs, and their tight ends for the most part, but Rodgers has made the case for the overlooked Irvin Charles to receive an extended look from the coaching staff.

Given how much influence Rodgers has on the Jets' offense, don't be surprised if that happens.

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