The Jets made what they hoped would be a franchise-altering move during the 2023 offseason when the team traded for former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, was brought in as an upgrade over Zach Wilson, who was ineffective in his first two years as a starter after being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jets have long been searching for a high-quality quarterback for their offense, and the hope is that Rodgers, 39, will provide them with that — even if he is nearing the end of his career.
While some have been skeptical of the Jets’ move, one of the team’s starting safeties, Jordan Whitehead, believes it will work well. Why? Because he endured a similar type of changing-of-the-guard while with the Buccaneers.
“It was kind of the same situation I fell into when I was with the Bucs,” Whitehead explained, per the Jets’ official website. “We had a great defense the year before and we just needed one piece that was missing.”
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That piece was, of course, a quarterback. Jameis Winston was coming off an explosive season as a quarterback, but one that was marred by a whopping 30 interceptions. As such, then-coach Bruce Arians sought a replacement for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Tampa Bay was able to sign Tom Brady to fill that role. The experienced quarterback and six-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots instantly provided stability at the position and helped lead the Buccaneers to a 31-9 win over the Chiefs in Super Bowl 55.
And Whitehead sees many similarities between Brady’s impact on the Buccaneers and the one that Rodgers is having on the Jets.
“On the field, he’s making us better, we’re getting the best we can get,” Whitehead said of Rodgers during OTAs. “He’s making us checkdown and communicate on another level. In the locker room, you see and hear him. He’s a funny character. He’s a good guy, open to everything. A real great guy.”
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As such, Whitehead is feeling good about the Jets’ chances of competing for a Super Bowl title this year. Now, his major goal is to make sure his teammates are aware of the hard work it will require to get there.
“I tell the guys it’s kind of like déjà vu for me,” Whitehead said, before adding. “I let everyone know that we have to have the right group.”
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