Robert Saleh takes vague shot at former Jets draft pick with character statement

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is trying to get back on track, as he has been given another opportunity to turn a franchise around by becoming the head coach of the Tennessee Titans and overseeing the development of Cam Ward.

As Saleh prepares for a 2026 NFL Draft in which he has the No. 4 overall pick, he has decided to all but confirm that he is trying to avoid players who have attitude issues after his experience with the Jets.

Per Easton Freeze, Saleh outlined that teams need to be disciplined in selecting players that may have some red flags, as they can make it hard to install a winning culture. Saleh said that he learned "the hard way" about investing a ton in players with character concerns, adding that reporters can "figure it out" instead of naming names.

The Jets have had multiple top picks flame out due to concerns away from the Sunday action. Most fans extrapolated that Saleh was referring to either Mekhi Becton or Elijah Moore. Considering Saleh wasn't hired yet when the Jets drafted Becton, it can be inferred that Moore is the player Saleh is taking a shot at.

Robert Saleh possibly takes shot at former Jets players' character

Moore had a rookie year that led many to believe he was going to be a part of the furniture in New York for a very long time. However, after seeing his role stagnate in 2022, Moore requested a trade after a dust-up with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur despite the team's 5-2 record.

The situation worked out horribly for both sides. The Jets never got the receiving help next to Garrett Wilson they needed, and the offense suffered as a result. Moore, who was traded to the Cleveland Browns, saw his production increase, but he has still never topped 700 yards in a season. Moore caught just nine passes for the Buffalo Bills last year.

The fact that fans can only assume Saleh's anecdote is about Moore rather than assuredly know is concerning. Between Becton's battles with the coaching staff, Malachi Corley's stubbornness, and Zach Wilson's prickliness to others in the locker room, the Jets were a bad mix of locker room strife and poor play under Saleh.

Titans fans had better hope that Saleh has learned his lesson. Considering that he brought in the exact same coaching staff and defensive roster that he had in New York, his old habits may die hard in this scenario.