Jets coach Robert Saleh says he's never been around a QB like Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has been around some quality quarterbacks during his NFL coaching career, but none like Aaron Rodgers.

It has only taken a few OTA practices for Saleh to figure that out, as the 39-year-old quarterback continues to wow with his new team. Saleh, entering his third season in New York, recently opened up to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated of what he has seen from Rodgers early on — citing a couple of throws he made during a seven-on-seven drill this past Monday.

“When he let it go, I was like, Well, that’s overthrown,” Saleh said. “And then, the ball just kept floating and floating and floating, and it hit the guy in stride. I was like, Oh my God. It was unbelievable.”

Rodgers one-upped himself in that same session, prompting Saleh to make an emphatic statement.

“The second one, it’s because you see it in games, you just never see it that way,” Saleh said. “Me, personally, I’ve never been around a quarterback like that. We’ve had some good quarterbacks—Russell [Wilson], Jimmy [Garoppolo], Matt Schaub. This is different, and not to speak poorly on them. So he throws a ball to [tight end] C.J. Uzomah. And I was like, ‘He’s covered!’ And he says, ‘Guy’s not looking at me, he’s open.’”

Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, is entering his 19th season in the NFL. He had a down year in 2022 coming off back-to-back MVP campaigns, throwing for 3,695 yards with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His 39.4 QBR was the lowest mark of his career. Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas are nonetheless taking a big swing on Rodgers, who will replace Zach Wilson, the team’s 2021 first-round pick, after two disappointing seasons.

Zach Wilson appreciative of help from Aaron Rodgers

Though supplanted by Rodgers as QB1, Wilson has been enjoying his time getting to learn from the future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

“It’s interesting, right? Of course I wish things had gone differently the past two years and I would’ve played amazing,” Wilson said Friday, via NFL.com. “But I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Aaron knows this, but he’s someone I’ve looked up to since I can remember playing football. So, I’m very appreciative of him and how much he is willing to help me because he really doesn’t need to be that vocal.

“He honestly truly is an amazing friend, and obviously such an amazing quarterback, so I am learning a lot of football. Not just from him, but [offensive coordinator Nathaniel] Hackett, [passing game coordinator Todd] Downing, our whole offensive staff. I’ve been really enjoying it.”