
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on from the sideline during warm ups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on from the sideline during warm ups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets haven’t made many positive decisions this year. First, a QB crisis had everyone questioning the team’s management. Then, Aaron Rodgers was rumored to return with no substantiation. The rumors have partially become a fact, but they came at a cost to the Jets’ fullback Nick Bawden.
Nick Bawden was injured in Week 15 and is questionable because of some knee complications. After this, Rodgers expressed his concerns about the team’s condition and a desire to play in the upcoming days. For many, this move would not make any sense, and on top of it, Rodgers’ desires came at the price of a man’s job. Was this a wise decision on the Jets’ part?
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Aaron Rodgers might return to the field sooner than we expected, but at what cost?
Rodgers was hell-bent on quickening his recovery time. It’s been about 14 weeks into his recovery, and he thinks he is ready to suit up and throw some balls. Per the latest development, Rodgers is seeking a spot to have regular practice with his team on the field. So, to accommodate the QB’s request, the Jets waived veteran fullback Nick Bawden from their roster.

USA Today via Reuters
Nov 6, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers leaves the field after losing to the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
If Rodgers didn’t want to carry on with his practice, Bawden’s job wouldn’t have been in jeopardy. He will now be unclaimed for some time, and if he stays that way, the Jets might take him back, with the condition that they still have a place for him on their roster. The Jets would have to waive another player to admit him back again. So, from now on, it’s an endless loop of hiring and firing people for the Jets.
One thing that might bother people is that Aaron Rodgers might not even play this season and just wanted to get into the practice squad; still, the Jets let go of Bawden without even thinking of another way to accommodate both athletes in their roster.
READ MORE- Watch: Injured Aaron Rodgers Reveals Honest Thoughts on Robert Salah Amid Firing Reports
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Bawden’s season so far
He joined the Jets in 2021 and has played 23 games with them. Stats-wise, there isn’t much to say except that he has just one touchdown this season, along with two carries over 4 yards. This implies that Bawden might have been one of the most under-used pieces in the Jets roster.

USA Today via Reuters
Nov 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the sidelines during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
This further raises questions about the Jets’ management. The $75 million Rodgers deal didn’t yield the result they wanted. On top of that, they chose to release someone for Rodgers, who might not even play this season. This series of bad choices only reflects why the Jets are in a miserable position.
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Watch This Story: “No, It Was Completely Unrealistic”: Sports Doctor Shares’ Honest Reality’ of Aaron Rodgers’ 100 Percent U-Turn
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