sport news New York Jets coach Robert Saleh demands 'quietness' this offseason after team ... trends now
The New York Jets' offseason has been a bit quieter than last year, not that head coach Robert Saleh is complaining.
'I think [general manager] Joe [Douglas] has done a really nice job adding some really cool pieces to the football team, but, yeah, quiet,' Saleh told NFL Network's Steve Wyche at Sunday's league meetings in Orlando. 'Last year was a little loud. We welcome a little bit of quietness.'
For those who missed the Jets' offseason moves in 2023 – perhaps because they were at a darkness retreat or doing ayahuasca in Peru – Douglas pulled off a trade for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, thereby igniting Super Bowl expectations in New York and northern New Jersey. Exacerbating matters was the team's decision to take part in HBO's Hard Knocks - a training camp docuseries that only fueled expectations.
'You've got 15 million fans out there that are so excited that they can barely contain themselves,' Jets owner Woody Johnson told players in August, as captured by HBO cameras.
Those expectations were extinguished one series into the season when Rodgers suffered a ruptured Achilles, resulting in former No. 2 draft pick Zach Wilson being forced back into the lineup with disastrous results.
Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on during the second half of a game in Miami
The high point of the Jets' season came in the opener when Rodgers led the team onto the field
Rodgers' season came to an end in the first quarter against the Bills when he hurt his ankle
New York would stumble to a 7-10 finish amid widespread criticism of Douglas, Johnson, Wilson, Saleh and the team.
This year the Jets' additions are less flashy, but possibly just as important.
After the offensive line failed to protect Rodgers last year (or Wilson, for that matter), Douglas has added All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smit as well as veteran left guard John Simpson and right tackle Morgan Moses.
Another reason for optimism: The team's younger players were able to add experience due to a rash of injuries in 2023.
