Aaron Rodgers (left) and Robert Saleh (right). Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports

Insider 'would bet against' Jets making playoffs with Aaron Rodgers

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 4/28/23

At least one NFL insider remains unconvinced the New York Jets immediately became a playoff team upon officially landing quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers.

"They could be horrible next year," Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio said during an appearance on "The Joe Rose Show with Zach Krantz," as shared by Logan Mullen of Audacy.

Florio went on to point out that the 2023 Jets have to face all three AFC East teams twice and also play against heavy hitters such as the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers and New York Giants.

"They may not make the playoffs," Florio continued about the Jets. "I would bet against them making the playoffs right now. They (would) still have to give up a first-round pick next year if Aaron Rodgers takes 65 percent of the snaps."

Florio was referencing the aspect of the trade that includes the Jets' 2024 conditional second-round draft pick they sent the Packers becoming a first-round choice if Rodgers plays 65% of the team's plays:

WE GOT HIM.@AaronRodgers12 is OFFICIALLY a member of the New York Jets.

https://t.co/A5wWuEXqQS pic.twitter.com/41IPSHx4fG
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 26, 2023

"If Aaron Rodgers plays 11 games out of 17 next year – a little more than 11, it’s 11.05 if you assume the same number of snaps in every game," Florio explained. "So, he can miss five games, he can miss more than five games due to injury, and they still owe a first-round pick."

Jets star cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner said earlier this week he thinks the franchise will "most definitely" make the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season with Rodgers under center. As of Friday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Jets sixth among betting favorites at +1400 odds to win Super Bowl LVIII in February.

The Chiefs topped that list at +650.

During the interview segment, Florio echoed a take previously offered by ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III.

"They gave up a lot to get this guy," Florio said of the Jets. "They got fleeced by the Packers at the end of the day. They were desperate to get him, and they got him."

Jets owner Woody Johnson will likely disagree with Florio if Rodgers gives the franchise a minimum of two seasons and at least one playoff journey fans won't forget anytime soon.

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