7 players Aaron Rodgers could recruit to the NY Jets in 2024

When the NY Jets traded for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers this past offseason, they knew what they were signing up for. Yes, they were trading for one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but they were also signing off on a handful of Rodgers-influenced roster decisions.

It's what the Denver Broncos did for Peyton Manning and what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did for Tom Brady. The Jets were hardly alone in this, and Rodgers figures to play a significant role in the team's transactions in 2024 as well.

During his regularly scheduled appearance on The Pat McAfee Show this week, Rodgers suggested that he's open to being involved in the team's front-office decisions this offseason. Rodgers insisted that he was a "good recruiter."

With that in mind, who are some players Rodgers could recruit to the Jets in the coming months? Here are a few feasible targets.

7. Darnell Savage, S

The Jets have one of the best defenses in the NFL, with All-Pro talent at seemingly every position, but if there is one weakness with the unit, it would be the safety position.

Jordan Whitehead has underwhelmed this season and is a free agent. Tony Adams has played at a below-average level in his first year as a starter. If the Jets turn to the free-agent market to address the position, one player who makes sense is Darnell Savage.

The former Packers first-round pick is set to be a free agent in the offseason, and he'll be coming off a solid bounce-back season following a disappointing 2022 campaign.

Savage obviously crossed paths with Rodgers in Green Bay and could give the Jets a young, versatile, and affordable safety in free agency. He could be signed to replace Whitehead this offseason.

6. A.J. Dillon, RB

Running back might not appear to be a major need for the Jets on the surface, but the team will have to address the position in the offseason. Dalvin Cook is a free agent, and Israel Abanikanda seems unlikely to step into the primary RB2 role immediately in 2024.

If the Jets go the free-agent route, Packers running back A.J. Dillon makes a ton of sense. The former second-round pick is a powerful, bruising back who can help the Jets improve their dreadful short-yardage offense.

Dillon is an ideal complement to Breece Hall as a between-the-tackles, north-south runner who can reliably pick up 2-4 yards per carry. There's a role for players like that in the NFL.

Given his lackluster production and the state of the running back market, it's unlikely Dillon will cost much to sign in free agency. He's a ready-made upgrade over Cook and a perfect complement to the other Jets running backs. His experience with Rodgers is a bonus.

5. Odell Beckham Jr., WR

Aaron Rodgers has already tried to recruit Odell Beckham Jr. once before. With Beckham set to be a free agent again this offseason, don't be surprised if the Jets are interested for the second year in a row.

The former All-Pro wide receiver isn't nearly the player he used to be, but he's proved in 2023 that he still has something left in the tank. Beckham has hauled in 32 catches for 519 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games with the Baltimore Ravens this year.

Beckham's injury history is notable, and he's little more than a complementary piece in an offense at this point, but he could still provide value to a Jets team that's hurting for wide receiver depth.

Rodgers pushed for Beckham to be signed last spring. It would make sense if he did it again a year later.

4. Yosh Nijman, OT

It's no secret that the Jets will be in the market for offensive line help this offseason. While the team will likely look to swing big in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft, there are a few quality depth pieces that could be added.

One of those depth pieces is Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman. Nijman is a former undrafted free agent who has started 22 games over the last three seasons for Green Bay.

The Virginia Tech product has experience playing both left and right tackle, making him an ideal swing tackle and sixth offensive lineman. At the very least, he should be an upgrade over fellow Rodgers recruit Billy Turner.

Nijman wouldn't be a high-profile offensive line signing, but he could bolster the team's depth. It should also be noted that he's yet to miss a game due to injury in his NFL career — something that feels important, given the state of the Jets' offensive line in 2023.

3. Mike Evans, WR

Mike Evans is the only player on this list without any prior ties to Aaron Rodgers. He's also the player on this list that's least likely to join the Jets this offseason. Still, a player of his quality is worth mentioning.

Evans remains one the most unheralded receivers of his generation, and even after 10 years in the league, he's shown few signs of slowing down. The former first-round pick has already solidified his 10th consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2023.

Evans is slated to be a free agent this offseason, but whether he actually hits the open market or not remains to be seen. The longtime Bucs receiver reportedly loves playing in Tampa, and with his team's situation improved from the start of the season, there might not be a reason for him to leave.

Still, if Evans does actually test free agency, Rodgers and the Jets should do everything possible to ensure he ends up in Florham Park. The prospect of playing with an elite QB like Rodgers certainly wouldn't hurt the team's recruiting pitch.

2. David Bakhtiari, OT

Expect to hear plenty of rumors surrounding David Bakhtiari and the Jets over the coming months. The longtime Packers left tackle is one of Aaron Rodgers' best friends, and the two have hinted at a possible reunion on multiple occasions.

Bakhtiari is technically under contract with Green Bay in 2024, but the expectation is that he'll either be traded or, more likely, released. That could open the door for the Jets to make a move.

Of course, the downside with Bakhtiari is that he's appeared in just one game in two of the last three seasons. He hasn't played more than 12 games in a season since 2019.

Still, the Jets will undoubtedly be in the market for offensive tackle help this offseason, and Bakhtiari's close relationship with Rodgers and All-Pro pedigree make him an obvious fit for the organization.

1. Davante Adams, WR

We were all waiting for this one, weren't we? There is no player who will be the subject of more Jets rumors this offseason, almost entirely because of Rodgers, than Davante Adams.

Adams remains one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and even though he's still under contract with the Las Vegas Raiders for a few more seasons, that hasn't stopped his name from popping up in trade rumors repeatedly.

That said, if the Raiders were to retain interim head coach Antonio Pierce, it's anyone's guess as to whether Adams would still want out (as was strongly hinted earlier in the season). On top of that, trading Adams would be a financial nightmare for the Raiders.

Still, the Jets are expected to make a strong push to trade for Adams if he becomes available. You'd better believe that Rodgers is a large reason why.