He new york jets hired former Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett as its new offensive coordinator Thursday, fueling speculation that the organization is looking to sign veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason.
Head coach Robert Saleh addressed the announcement during a press conference Thursday afternoon, adding that it «checks every box we’re looking for.»
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett watches from the sideline against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on November 20, 2022 in Denver.
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
«Really excited about it,» he told reporters. «We cast a wide net like we said we were going to. We interviewed over 15 different candidates for this position.»
PACKERS’ AARON RODGERS SUGGESTS A $60M SALARY IN 2023 MAY NOT BE AN ISSUE: ‘THINGS WOULD HAVE TO CHANGE’
He continued: «But when I got to a certain checklist that I was trying to go through, I just checked the boxes of what we were looking for in regards to this next offensive coordinator, I just kept circling him. He checks every box that we’re looking for.»
Hackett, 43, was fired from the broncos in December after compiling a 4-11 record, but previously served as the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator for three seasons.
Head coach Nathaniel Hackett of the Broncos during the Los Vegas Raiders game on October 2, 2022 in Las Vegas.
(Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
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The link between Hackett and the Packers adds to already growing speculation that the Jets are looking for to chase Rodgers in the offseason to solve his ongoing quarterback problems.
Jets owner Woody Johnson said earlier this month that he would «absolutely» be willing to spend big to get a veteran on the roster after another second-year quarterback. zach wilson suffered another tumultuous year that featured two seats.
«We have a cap, so there’s an amount you can spend. But, yeah, yeah, that’s the missing piece.»
Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers warms up before the Lions game at Ford Field on January 9, 2022 in Detroit.
(Nic Antaya/Getty Images) Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Rodgers has not committed to another season in Green Bay or in the NFL, but he addressed rumors Tuesday that a potential trade would carry the $60 million salary he is owed in 2023.
«I don’t think there’s a scenario where I would come back and that would be the number. I think it would definitely be, things would definitely have to change,» he said on «The Pat McAfee Show.»