Quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been with the Jets very long, but he’s already enjoying his time in New York, saying the past six weeks have been “about the most fun” he’s had in a while. One thing Rodgers is impressed with with his new team is his new teammates. They’ve already made a great impression on the NFL’s four-time MVP, who feels two players in particular can become the best in the business.
Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver and Garrett Wilson both had outstanding seasons last year, earning NFL Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards, respectively.
Rodgers has been able to personally see the two Jets stars at work at OTAs and likes what he sees. The future Hall of Famer believes Gardner and Wilson can dominate their position and become No. 1 in the league.
“We may have the best corner and the best receiver in the NFL at some point,” Rodgers said via the New York Post. “It’s a legitimate opportunity for those two guys. Maybe not this next year – I’m still thinking about Davante [Adams] is in a league of its own, but those two kids are so talented.”
Rodgers says the fact that Gardner and Wilson can compete against each other in practice takes them both to the next level.
“How we take the next step is to talk about the things that cause us the most trouble,” Rodgers said. “To talk about release issues [caused by Gardner] and what’s hard for Garrett, and then Sauce tells Garrett what’s hard for him. I think we have good communication with those guys at the moment. They fight, they compete.”
Gardner had 20 passes defended in 2022, a league high, along with two interceptions. Meanwhile, Wilson finished his rookie season with 83 receptions for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns and should finish as Rodgers’ No. 1 receiver next season.
“At least once a training he does something that I look back on [the coaches] and whoever looks and goes, ‘Wow!'” Rodgers said.
The Jets kick off their season at home against divisional opponent Buffalo Bills on “Monday Night Football”. It will be the first time showing how Rodgers’ chemistry with Wilson translates to the pitches when it counts.