Woody Johnson made a flat statement about the New York Jets’ quarterback situation
The New York Jets’ first big mistake in 2023 was visible from a mile away. Apparently, their owner knew it, too — but he did nothing about it.
Speaking in Las Vegas before the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, Woody Johnson stated flatly, “We need a backup quarterback. We didn’t have one last year.”
Johnson took a shot at Zach Wilson, but that’s secondary to the admission he’s making. The Jets didn’t have a backup quarterback last year, they knew they didn’t have one, and they did nothing about it.
That was pretty obvious from the fact that they said it would be a redshirt year for Wilson. The Jets, from Johnson to Joe Douglas to Robert Saleh on down, pushed all their chips in the middle of the table with Aaron Rodgers. They never even considered the alternative.
Woody Johnson on what it was like to see Aaron Rodgers get hurt: “what does it feel like having your arm chopped off?”
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) February 9, 2024
With that statement from Johnson, it’s clear that the Jets will bring in some other backup quarterback for Rodgers. Whether it’s Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Ryan Tannehill, or another experienced player, they won’t get caught in the same bind again.
Perhaps this is why Johnson kept Douglas and Saleh in town, though: it was his mistake as much as theirs. Johnson also had some comments about his general manager and head coach.
Woody Johnson on Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas: “The discussions we’ve had the last couple of months, they’ve seen me about as mad as I can be.”
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) February 9, 2024
Apparently, Johnson’s anger did not lead to any substantial changes. Still, both Douglas and Saleh are on a very thin leash. This offseason could determine their future in New York.
