Aaron Rodgers Days with Jets are Likely Numbered

 The New York Jets are reportedly moving on from Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback according to a report by Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer.

The news came as really no surprise, and provided an interesting distraction in the hours leading up to the Big Game on Sunday. Rodgers tenure with the Jets will be mostly remembered for its unfulfilled expectations, or more dramatically, as an disappointing failure.

From darkness retreats to Netflix specials, to ayahuasca becoming part of the vernacular, and skipping mandatory mini-camp for a trip to Egypt, and even wild interviews on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers time in New York was about anything but winning. 

Giants Legend Eli Manning Denied Hall of Fame Entry on First Ballot

 Giants legend Eli Manning was denied entry into the NFL Hall of Fame on the first ballot.

And if you listen to Giants fans across the Tri-State area, and especially on social media, you would think this was Manning's only opportunity to EVER get into the hallowed Halls of Canton, Ohio.

Should Eli Manning be in the Hall of Fame? Absolutely. He is a central figure and face to one of the greatest, if not THE greatest upsets in NFL history when his Giants upset the 18-0 New England Patriots in the Big Game back in 2007.

Not only did he have the helmet catch and the game-winning touchdown pass in that game, but Manning also came back four years later and beat Tom Brady and the Patriots again on football's grandest stage.

Many will point to Manning's erratic career in the regular season as proof of his candidacy; he did throw 244 interceptions in his career and led the league in picks twice. Not to mention he had a .500 record as a starter in the regular season.

But Dan Fouts was only two games over .500, and Warren Moon was a game over .500, and both made it into the Hall. Neither made it to the Big Game.

Joe Namath and Terry Bradshaw had pedestrian regular season numbers, but when it came time to win on football's grandest stage they shined.

Like Manning, Namath won what many consider the most important game in NFL history in Super Bowl III when the Jets upset the heavily favored Colts. That game set the stage for the eventual merging of the NFL and AFL into one league.

And if you look at Namath's stats, he threw 220 interceptions and only 173 touchdowns in his career. Namath is in Canton.

Bradshaw, a winner of four Big Game titles with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s, threw only two more touchdowns than interceptions in his career in the regular season.

Manning threw 366 touchdowns to 244 picks. He should be in.

AND he will eventually get in.

MORE ON FOX SPORTS NJ. 

Mets and Pete Alonso Finally Agree to New 2-Year Deal

 The New York Mets and Pete Alonso have finally come to terms on a two-year deal that will lengthen the lineup around Juan Soto, and keep one of the most popular home-grown talents in Flushing Queens for at least one more season.

The Mets and Alonso hatched out a two-year $54 million contract late Wednesday. The deal is essentially a one-year deal worth upwards of $30 million, making Alonso the highest paid at his position for this season. The second year is an option year at $24 million, should he choose to take it.

For months the Mets and Alonso had been stuck in a stalemate over a long-term extension. Alonso reportedly rejected a $150 million, seven-year deal offered to him back in 2023; and then, according to reports, rejected a three-year $70 million deal this off-season.

The Mets were willing to wait him out. As suitors walked away, and the first baseman's market proved to be unfruitful, the Mets clearly gained a slight edge in negotiations.

A few weeks ago at a Mets Fan Fest event at Citi Field, owner Steve Cohen said he had grown tired of the negotiations, saying honestly, "I don't like what's been presented to us."

Since that time, Alonso and the Mets came back to the table and finally hammered out a deal that works for both sides.

With a two-year deal, the Mets get their slugger back in the lineup, who can protect newcomer Juan Soto in the middle of the order. Despite his average dipping in each of the last two years, Alonso is one of the best power hitters in the game. He owns 226 home runs and is on pace to shatter the franchise record for home runs in a Mets uniform set by Darryl Strawberry.

Having Alonso hit either in front of or behind Soto is only going to strengthen the Mets lineup, and make them more difficult on opponents.

More on Fox Sports NJ. 

Jets Hire Wilks as Defensive Coordinator as Coaching Staff Builds

 The New York Jets new brain-trust of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey have been busy this week. Less than 48 hours after being formally introduced to the New York media and fan base, the Jets are busy filling out their coaching staff. 

Joining Glenn on the sideline will be former Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers Head Coach Steve Wilks as Defensive Coordinator. Wilks, who was the D.C. for the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers last year, was oddly dismissed by San Fran following last year's Super Bowl. 

His unit finished third in points allowed per game at 17.5 in 2023, and were ninth in Defensive EPA. He's been an assistant coach for a large part of his coaching career with stops in Cleveland and Carolina as a top defensive lieutenant for then Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera. 

"I'm looking for the best coach," Glenn said Monday. "That's all I'm looking for. He's going to be compatible. And it doesn't have to be from somebody I had; it can be from across the league."

In addition to Wilks the Jets singed former Denver Broncos special teams assistant Chris Banjo as their new special teams coordinator, and former Detroit Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden for the offensive line coach position. Heiden, who is primarily a tight ends coach, last coached offensive line back in 2018 in Arizona. 

The Jets are also a potential landing spot for Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand as offensive coordinator, perhaps the most critical hire of all once its made. 

"Put Your Seatbelts On" Aaron Glenn Sets Tone with Strong Debut

 Fasten your seatbelts Jets fans! New Head Coach Aaron Glenn and General Manager Darren Mougey were both presented to the New York media for the first time Monday afternoon and what a first impression it was especially for Glenn who takes over as the 22nd head coach in New York Jets history.

As some would say Glenn won the press conference. He was direct, forthright, and delivered an impassioned message about the franchises’ future.

Aaron Glenn, Jets Head Coach. Getty Images.

 

“To the players that are here now. Put your seat belts on and get ready for the ride,” Glenn said. “Listen there are going to be some challenges. But with challenges comes opportunity. Here is what I do know. We are the freaking New York Jets, we’re built for this …”.

 

 

Glenn didn’t wait for the Q&A to answer the ever-present question about the Hall of Famer quarterback’s future in New York. Glenn said he and Darren Mougey have reached out to the quarterback and will meet with him to figure out how he will fit into their plans moving forward.

While Glenn brought a lot of fire to the presser, the Jets’ new General Manager Darren Mougey was a little more understated. But he shared a great enthusiasm for the task at hand and shared a fun story about meeting Glenn years earlier when he was on the Denver Broncos front office staff.

 

See my full article on Fox Sports Radio New Jersey. 

Jets Search for GM Continues today

 A day after agreeing with Aaron Glenn to become their new Head Coach, the Jets turned their attention quickly to the General Manager's seat. 

The Jets are said to be interviewing Broncos Assistant GM Darren Mougey and Bengals Senior Personnel Executive Trey Brown on Thursday. There is a good chance that one of them might end up with the job by end of the day. 

Reports indicated that Mougey was to interview in the afternoon, and Brown in the evening. 

As for Commanders Assistant GM Lance Newmark, he is still considered a candidate, although he did interview with the team on Tuesday.