Normally, when an NFL player misses his team’s mandatory minicamp, it is because he is holding out for a lucrative contract extension or perhaps because he has a serious family emergency to deal with.
But neither appears to be true for Aaron Rodgers, who wasn’t present for the New York Jets’ first day of minicamp.
While some are going to be quick to criticize the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, Marcus Spears said on ESPN’s “NFL Live” that it is excusable because, as he put it, “It’s Aaron Rodgers, he can do what the hell he wants.”
“It’s Aaron Rodgers, he can do what the hell he wants.”@mspears96 on Aaron Rodgers missing the Jets’ first day of mandatory minicamp 😅 pic.twitter.com/D5dW5Ljvqr
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 11, 2024
On the other hand, Spears did express concern that Rodgers wasn’t out on the field to develop chemistry and cohesion with his teammates, particularly the Jets’ new offensive line.
Rodgers was traded to New York last offseason, but he tore his Achilles during their first offensive series of the regular season, and thus he has barely gotten any reps with his teammates, whether it has been in a game or a scrimmage.
Their offensive line was a big concern in 2023, but they have added Tyron Smith, a tackle who has been named to eight Pro Bowls in his 13-year career.
The Jets also added Mike Williams, a viable wide receiver threat, this offseason to take some pressure off young stud Garrett Wilson.
A growing number of people feel they can go far and even accomplish something special this coming season, but of course, Rodgers will need to shake off his injury and turn in his best season since 2021, when he won his fourth regular-season MVP.
With all the wear and tear he has, it is anyone’s guess whether he will be able to do that.
