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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

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  Debate

Debate

Is Aaron Rodgers the problem, or is the Jets' dysfunction too deep-rooted to fix?

With Aaron Rodgers returning to the Jets after a season-ending injury that saw his first year with the New York team go down the drain, there is hope surrounding the MetLife Stadium. Even the fans are expecting that the four-time NFL MVP can help them get back to their glory days by breaking the 13-year hiatus from playoffs.

However, an anonymous NFL agent has seemingly exposed the real picture that is going on behind the scenes. After the Athletic spoke with 31 agents around the league about their thoughts on NFL teams, one of them said, “There is complete disarray over there. Look at how they’ve handled Aaron Rodgers. Has one player had more power than him? They have been unable to convert him into a team player. The vibe inside the building is terrible.”

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Although the Jets were banking on Aaron Rodgers’ ability to lead them in a do-or-die season, it seems something darker is brewing in the Jets camp. But some of it could be true if you look at a few past incidents that surfaced out of Florham Park. After signing with the Jets last year, the Atheltic’s Dianna Russini spoke about how Rodgers handed over a wish list of players upon his arrival.

This list of players seemingly included WR Odell Beckham Jr, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and TE Marcedes Lewis. Looking back at the list, Lazard and Cobb did sign with the Jets after spending more than five years together in Green Bay. However, when Rodgers was asked about the list, he said it was “ridiculous.”

But that’s not all, as Rodgers was expected to be a part of the Jets’ offseason program after missing out in his first season due to an ACL. However, the ten-time Pro Bowler ended up controversially missing the Jets mandatory training camp by flying out to Egypt. Although the Jets veteran QB was fined for his absence, he later downplayed the importance of minicamps.

Speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast, A-Rod stated, “They can arbitrarily put a tag on whatever week of OTAs they want and say, This is the minicamp week, which makes it somehow more mandatory than the other weeks.” Instead of talking about missing the training camp because of his trip to Egypt, the Super Bowl champion bashed the concept of minicamps.

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Is Aaron Rodgers the problem, or is the Jets' dysfunction too deep-rooted to fix?

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However, looking at the overall picture, not everyone out there is questioning Rodgers’ possible impact on the Jets. Some of them even sang praises of the 40-year-old with hopes of helping the Jets turn around their recent form.

Aaron Rodgers set to play a key role with the New York Jets this season

After the Jets’ strong showing against the Giants in joint practice, former HC of Jets Herm Edwards opened up about his enthusiasm for the Jets next season. Appearing on an ESPN Sports Center episode, Edwards talked about the impact of Rodgers coming back, “They have a tremendous defense and some extremely talented offensive guys as well. So, Aaron Rodgers now has the ability to lead this club to a division title.”

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The last time the Jets managed to win an AFC East title was back in 2002 under Edwards’ tenure. However, Edwards also talked about the importance of Rodgers if they want to secure that title while potentially breaking a long drought. Right now, however, A-Rod is coming back from an injury that ended his ambitions for the first season after just four plays.

Talking about his comeback into the roster, the Jets current HC Robert Saleh stated, “You can see he’s getting more comfortable with it because he’s not scared to run and leave the pocket. He’s been doing it on our aviation routes, both individually and in groups.” Well, if Saleh’s thoughts about the veteran QB are right, he might be able to re-discover his pre-ACL form that led to the Jets bringing him to the fold.

However, it’s still only hope as the regular season continues to create excitement and tension for the Jets, with lots of expectations from Aaron Rodgers hanging in the balance.

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