Robert Saleh is fully embracing the do-over that many NFL head coaches never get.
The Jets retained Saleh after a third straight losing season because of the internal feeling that quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending torn Achilles on the first possession of the 2023 season altered what was possible.
A healthy Rodgers essentially puts a playoffs-or-bust label on 2024.
“Excited to attack this season,” Saleh told NFL Network in his first comments of the offseason Sunday at the annual spring owners meetings, “and try to accomplish the things we were supposed to accomplish a year ago.”
The Jets have had a busy last two weeks, rebuilding their starting offensive line around free-agent additions Tyron Smith and John Simpson while re-acquiring Morgan Moses via trade.
They also signed arguably the top available receiver, Mike Williams.
Smith, Williams and Moses all come with varying degrees of injury concerns.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas inked Smith and Williams to incentive-laden one-year contracts based on playing time.
“You look at a guy like Morgan Moses, who played on a torn pec last year: Just an old-school soul in the sense that he just shows up to work, works his tail off, and a guy who’s going to pull people with him,” Saleh said.
“Tyron Smith has played at a very high level for a very long time. And John Simpson at guard, I mean, he’s like the definition of strain. The way he works and kind of his story. He’s kept battling to prove he belongs in this league. Excited about the mental makeup of the room.”
Saleh and NFL Network reporter Steve Wyche categorized the offseason as “quiet” for the Jets, relative to one year ago at this time when they were in pursuit of trading for their future Hall of Fame quarterback.
“Last year was a little loud,” Saleh said. “We welcome a little bit of quietness.”
It’s an interesting definition of “quietness,” given all that has surrounded Rodgers in the last few weeks.
First, Rodgers was mentioned as a possible vice presidential running mate for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign.
Then, he was accused in a first-hand CNN report of claiming that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting (26 dead) never happened and was part of a government conspiracy.
Rodgers denied the CNN report and said, “I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place.”
None of those topics were addressed in the NFL Network report but could come up this week when Saleh meets with beat reporters.
Saleh said he speaks with Rodgers “often,” and the quarterback is “getting ready” for the season, with no indication that he might not be ready for training camp as planned.
“He’s on a mission,” Saleh said.
For Saleh’s sake, it needs to be mission accomplished.
“All the young guys that were forced to play a year ago, we’re really excited about the direction they’re going,” Saleh said. “But at the same time, to bring in some veteran presence, to bring in some leadership, to bring in guys who know how to play the game — who have played the game at a very high level and who really have the capability of achieving and matching the standard which we’re trying to create.”
