Jets ‘failed as a team’ during Rodgers stint – Williams

New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams says the franchise must share responsibility for the end of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ time with the team.

The 41-year-old spent two seasons in New York but the Jets twice finished third in the AFC East and announced last month that he would not be returning next season.

The four-time MVP, who won his sole Super Bowl as a Green Bay Packer after the 2010 season, missed all but one game of the 2022 campaign because of an Achilles tendon injury and they finished a disappointing 5-12 last year upon his return.

Despite winning just six of Rodgers 18 starts with the team, Williams stressed the entire roster “had something to do with the losses” during a spell that also saw head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas lose their jobs.

“Aaron didn’t fail. The Jets failed as a team,” Williams told BBC Sport NI at the launch of the Jets NFL Girls Flag league in Dublin.

“I play defence, they score points on me. You can’t put it that it didn’t succeed for Aaron alone.

“No, it didn’t succeed for the Jets as a whole.”

‘I’m on the same page and ready to win’

In his lone full campaign with the team, Rodgers had the third-best single-season totals in franchise history, which consisted of 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns.

In a game against the Miami Dolphins in January, he also became just the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach the landmark of 500 career touchdown passes.

Williams added: “Now, Aaron’s not coming back and I wish him the best because he’s a great person.”

The Jets are expected to look for a replacement quarterback when the league’s free agency period begins next week.

They have already filled their head coaching vacancy with highly rated coordinator Aaron Glenn recruited from the Detroit Lions.

“It’s a big off-season especially as it’s the start of something new,” Williams said.

“I’ve talked to ‘AG’ [Glenn] a couple of times and I’m very excited. He’s one of those coaches that is straightforward with you.

“The first thing he said was ‘I came here to win, not to rebuild’ and I’m on the same page as him and ready to win.”