NY Jets news: Jets commit to a veteran QB, Nathaniel Hackett backlash, and more

NY Jets head coach Robert Saleh met with the media on Thursday following the anointment of Nathaniel Hackett as the team's new offensive coordinator, and in that press conference, he dropped an interesting nugget of information.

While the Jets' pursuit of a veteran quarterback this offseason has been no secret, Saleh had yet to publicly admit to the team's intentions. That was until Thursday when he told reporters that the Jets were "committed to finding a veteran" this offseason.

Of course, this shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone who has followed the Jets over the last few months. Still, it's interesting that Saleh chose Hackett's introductory press conference to publicly reveal this information.

Does this perhaps hint at an Aaron Rodgers trade? Are we reading too much into this? Perhaps, but it does put to bed any notion that the Jets would draft a quarterback or run it back with Zach Wilson.

Whether it's Rodgers, Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, etc., the Jets will add a veteran quarterback this offseason. Saleh confirmed that on Thursday.

Other NY Jets news

Jets slammed for the Nathaniel Hackett hire

While some chose to look on the positive side, many were quick to slam the Jets for their decision to hire Nathaniel Hackett as their new offensive coordinator. Hackett's disastrous stint in Denver likely had a lot to do with this.

It's easy to bash the Hackett hire given what we saw unfold in Denver last season. Hackett became only the fifth coach in NFL history to not finish his first season as a head coach — three of those five have now had stints with the Jets, for what it's worth.

That said, Hackett wasn't hired to be the Jets' head coach. His resume as a coordinator is spotty at best, but the backlash largely comes from his time with the Broncos.

The only way to change the narrative is by winning games. If not, and if Hackett falls short of expectations in New York, it's likely the Jets will be looking for more than just an offensive coordinator next offseason.

Jets hire a new OL coach

Somewhat lost in the shuffle of the Hackett hire on Thursday was that the Jets also hired a new offensive line coach and run game coordinator in Keith Carter.

Carter spent the last five seasons as the offensive line coach of the Tennessee Titans where he found plenty of success leading a dominant rushing attack. Of course, much of that was due to the presence of Derrick Henry, but Carter's contributions can't be overlooked.

He previously spent three years with the Atlanta Falcons where he worked alongside the likes of Matt and Mike LaFleur, Kyle Shanahan, Mike McDaniel, Jeff Ulbrich, and Marquand Manuel. Most of those names should sound very familiar to Jets fans. He also crossed paths with Robert Saleh in Seattle before that.

Carter replaces John Benton who was fired a few weeks ago along with Mike LaFleur and wide receivers coach Miles Austin.