Aaron Rodgers talks Davante Adams and Robert Saleh
Aaron Rodgers says he has a great relationship with Jets coach Robert Saleh. Credit: Jim McIsaac
WARE, England — Aaron Rodgers acknowledged his close relationship with Davante Adams, but he wouldn’t say much about Adams’ trade request or whether he would like to reunite with his favorite former receiver.
“I don’t know how much I can say about it because of tampering,” Rodgers said before the Jets’ practice Friday. “But I still have a close friendship with him. We spend time in the offseason together. He’s a great guy and a great player. The rest of that is out of my hands.”
The worst-kept secret in the NFL is that Rodgers and Adams would like to play together again. The Jets reportedly are Adams’ first choice if Las Vegas moves him. It’s up to general manager Joe Douglas to strike a deal for the six-time Pro Bowler.
Rodgers can empathize with Adams needing a change of scenery from a situation he’s not enjoying. Rodgers himself pushed for the Packers to trade him to the Jets two years ago.
“The grass is green where you water,” Rodgers said. “There’s fear-mongering that goes along with the adage that the grass is not always greener on the other side. The grass is green where you water it. You put the time in. You put intention and attention to whatever you’re doing, and you can make a special situation out of being anywhere.”
Rodgers also addressed his relationship with coach Robert Saleh. There has been speculation that Rodgers doesn’t respect Saleh and that there is a rift. That was perpetuated by last week’s cadence controversy. Saleh said that was “created” by the media. Rodgers said they’re on great terms.
“There’s some driving force to try and put a wedge — outside the facility — between Robert and I,” Rodgers said. “We’re really good friends. We enjoy each other. We spend time almost every day. I’m in his office talking about things, talking about the energy of the team, the focus of the team, what we need to get done, how I can help him, how he can help me out. We got a great relationship.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
