Report: Zach Wilson’s Relationship With Aaron Rodgers ‘Soured’ Over Jets’ Season for Silliest Reasons

The New York Jets’ once-promising 2023–24 season never recovered from Aaron Rodgers’s torn Achilles tendon injury. And the repercussions of losing Rodgers affected several aspects of the team, as a Wednesday report by The Athletic reveals.

Once Rodgers joined the Jets, the expectation was that he would serve as a mentor for embattled third-year quarterback Zach Wilson. According to the report, their relationship started out well, with Rodgers helping Wilson regain his confidence as he accepted learning from the sideline for a season. 

However, their rapport was less friendly after Rodgers’s injury, per the report. Wilson thought he would frequently communicate with the veteran QB, but Rodgers often went home to California during his rehab and wasn’t available. 

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett designed the Jets’ scheme for Rodgers and didn’t adjust for Wilson. Making matters worse, Wilson reportedly resented coach Robert Saleh’s excessive praise of Rodgers as he attempted what would’ve been a phenomenal comeback from his injury. 

That disenchantment was a factor in Wilson initially declining to return to the starting role after being benched for Tim Boyle in Week 12, despite Saleh and Rodgers asking him to change his mind. Wilson only did so after reports of his decision went public.

Rodgers is set to return for the 2024 season with Hackett again overseeing the offense, though perhaps with a lesser role in play-calling. Meanwhile, Wilson has been told he’ll be traded during the offseason, which appears to be the path for a future that became bleak with the Jets.