Jets general manager Joe Douglas met with reporters on Tuesday afternoon to discuss this week’s NFL Draft, but of course it was the team’s blockbuster deal for Aaron Rodgers that became the hot topic.
While Douglas said there are still “some I’s to be dotted and T’s to be crossed” in terms of finalizing the trade, he spoke about how it came together.
“Obviously a long time in the making,” Douglas said. “It was a lot of conversations (with Packers GM Brian Gutekunst). I can’t thank him enough for the open dialogue. And ultimately being able to get what we feel is a historic trade for this franchise.”
The main word Douglas used to describe the feeling around the organization about finally landing Rodgers is excitement.
“We’re obviously excited about this opportunity, excited about this deal, and excited to add him to the team,” he said. “Obviously a lot of joy. I can speak to upstairs where we were with football ops. I feel like all the scouts, all the coaches, there were some high-fives and hugs and a lot of excitement.”
Douglas went on to credit head coach Robert Saleh and the rest of his coaching staff for the environment they’ve built around this team, which helped draw Rodgers and others to Gang Green this offseason.
“Obviously, Aaron is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play this game. To have an opportunity to add a player of that caliber, you’re always going to look into it and how it fits within our culture, within our team,” he continued.
“It’s a real credit to Robert, his staff, and what he’s been able to implement with our players and with everyone here, that a player of Aaron’s caliber would even want to come here. We’re all excited to add someone of his character and his ability.”
And while adding a player of Rodgers’ caliber is a big piece for this Jets roster, Douglas knows there’s still more to be done, starting later this week with the draft.
“Ultimately we still have a lot of work to do to get to where we need to go. The biggest thing in front of us is this year’s draft, and it’s a great opportunity to add young, dynamic playmakers to this roster.”