NY Jets locker room shows mixed reaction to the Aaron Rodgers decision

The Jets' locker room appears to be split on the Rodgers decision.
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers | Luke Hales/GettyImages

Aaron Rodgers is out in New York. It was a tumultuous tenure with the NY Jets featuring almost exclusively lows. Now it's over, and the questions turn to who the Jets will go with at QB and where Rodgers will wind up.

However, with his departure, there is still some internal fallout regarding the Jets' decision to move on. It appears that the roster isn't all on one page about the move.

C.J. Mosley spoke highly of Rodgers in a recent interview. He said that Rodgers shouldn't leave New York with his "head down," and highlighted his quarterback's leadership in the face of injuries and drama.

"He was a leader no matter what when he came into the locker room when he was with us this year... there's no reason for him to leave New York with his head down 'cause I know he gave us his all."
C.J. Mosley

Quinnen Williams went as far as to publicly criticize the move on social media. He complained about having to go through another rebuilding year and left a series of emojis indicating his frustration with the front office.

Meanwhile, star wide receiver Garrett Wilson's issues with Rodgers were well-documented throughout last season. He was frustrated with his lack of targets, seemingly never landing on the same page as his future Hall of Fame quarterback all season.

You'll get a different take on Rodgers depending on who on the Jets you ask

While Wilson hasn't publicly stated his stance on the matter, it's evident he wasn't pleased with his situation alongside Rodgers. Numerous reports throughout the offseason have even suggested that he might request a trade because of it.

With a new quarterback on the way in 2025, it’s reasonable to believe that Wilson is among those pleased with the Jets’ decision. Given the reports of his dissatisfaction alongside Rodgers, the change could provide the fresh start he’s been seeking.

Rodgers has been a polarizing figure for years now. He had issues maintaining a positive working relationship with the front office in Green Bay. He's also extremely outspoken in his social/political views, rubbing a lot of people the wrong way.

On his way out of Green Bay, Jordan Love spoke highly of Rodgers. However, from an outside perspective, it appeared that Rodgers was never fully comfortable with having his successor waiting in the wings.

In New York, the front office reportedly tried to curb Rodgers' public presence, even attempting to end his weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show. While most players spoke positively about him, it's clear that his top wide receiver will walk away from the Aaron Rodgers experience with a bitter aftertaste.

It’s clear there isn’t a unanimous opinion within the locker room about the change at quarterback. That doesn’t suggest any division among the players, but it is worth noting.

After two of the most turbulent and memorable seasons in the franchise’s last 65 years, players still differ on what went wrong and who was to blame. It’s a debate that will likely linger as long as the Jets are around.

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