New York Jets defensive tackle Solomon Thomas expects Aaron Rodgers to perform at a Hall of Fame level in 2024
Expectations were through the roof in Aaron Rodgers’ first season with the New York Jets. However, those expectations were torn to shreds four snaps into the first game of the season.
Heading into 2024, those expectations are starting to rise again. Speaking on “The Insiders” on NFL Network, Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas discussed his expectations for the team’s 40-year-old signal caller.
“You should expect the same thing from Aaron that you always expect,” began Thomas. “You can expect a Hall of Fame quarterback to make Hall of Fame plays and create Hall of Fame seasons. That’s who he is and that’s how he shows up every day. It’s really cool to see how a Hall of Fame player who’s in his 20th year gives back to his teammates. It’s great having Aaron around, love him.”
For a player who’s continuously accused of being a terrible teammate, these comments from Thomas must be reassuring for Jets fans. After all, we recently heard Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud suggest that Rodgers’ treatment of his teammates is likely the reason he didn’t win more championships with the Green Bay Packers. And while that myth continues to get busted, the Jets defensive lineman wanted to point out how incredible Rodgers’ work ethic has been – especially recovering from an injury that could have ended his career.
“To come back from an Achilles [injury] the way he has, as fast as he has, is incredible,” declared the Jets defensive lineman. “I mean, he was our scout team quarterback at the end of last season. That’s barely four months post-op Achilles. It’s unheard of. So what he’s doing and how he’s preparing, and the way he dedicates himself to the game, is inspiring to the rest of the team.”
The Jets hope that inspiration can be converted into a postseason appearance this season. After all, anything short of that could be seen as a major disappointment. And so far through OTAs, Rodgers is looking like a man on a mission.
gonna have to make an @AaronRodgers12 no-look pass compilation soon pic.twitter.com/vj6RDyT5oj
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 4, 2024
As for Thomas, he’ll attempt to continue improving his production going forward. Last year, Thomas had a career-high 5.0 sacks playing for his former defensive coordinator in San Francisco, Robert Saleh.
While Thomas has not lived up to his draft capital (No. 3 overall in 2017), he will have an opportunity to be a key player for the Jets this season. The Jets traded defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, who would line up inside next to Quinnen Williams on pass downs. Franklin-Myers’ exit leaves Thomas, Michael Clemons, and Javon Kinlaw as three benefactors heading into 2024.
Whether that will be enough to substitute JFM’s production on the defense remains to be seen. But if we can take Thomas for his word, at least fans won’t have to worry about the Jets’ offense this season.
