The Jets had their eyes on more than one Super Bowl-winning quarterback this offseason.
When talks with Green Bay surrounding Aaron Rodgers hit a lull, the Jets instead turned to the Rams and asked about Matthew Stafford, according to NFL Network.
Those talks did not go far as the Rams, despite their clear roster flaws, were “adamant” that Stafford was not available, per the report.
NFL Network also reported the talks “were more exploratory” as the Jets wanted to cover every angle in their attempt to upgrade the quarterback position.
The Jets certainly can’t complain about how the situation played out, but it provides an interesting look into the team’s offseason strategy.
Quarterback play held the Jets back last season, and it makes sense they pursued many different avenues in hopes of finding a quarterback who could complement their defense.
The report states the Jets reached out to the Rams, which would be expected.
Stafford, 35, fit the bill as a veteran quarterback with a championship pedigree who would have been a short-term fix.
While he hasn’t been as successful as Rodgers, Stafford led the Rams to a championship two seasons ago and is quite good when healthy.
He played in just nine games last season, though, and has been limited to nine games or less in two of the last four seasons.
The Rams ultimately kept Stafford and hope he can help them rebound, although he will be without the services of Super Bowl 2022 MVP Cooper Kupp for at least four weeks.
The Jets completed in April their trade for Rodgers, and it’s been all smiles and sunshine thus far.
Rodgers is taking players under his wing like Zach Wilson, developing a rapport with emerging superstar Garrett Wilson and saying all the right things.
A motivated Rodgers can help the Jets challenge for an AFC East title, and that quest begins Monday night when Rodgers and the Jets host the Bills at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets are slight underdogs.
