When the Green Bay Packers traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, GM Brian Gutekunst faced criticism for adding former Packers teammates, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.
The Jets’ vision to create a Super Bowl-worthy team with Rodgers and his veteran friends didn’t go as planned.
Despite initial backlash, Green Bay, led by Jordan Love, rebounded, winning three of the last four games. However, the Jets’ experience with former Packers players hasn’t been favorable. Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury early in the season, and both Lazard and Cobb haven’t met expectations.
Lazard, with a four-year $44 million contract, has 20 receptions for 290 yards and one touchdown in ten games. Cobb, often a healthy scratch, played six games with three receptions for 20 yards.
In a Black Friday game against the Miami Dolphins, both Lazard and Cobb were healthy scratches, drawing mockery from Packers fans on social media. Despite criticism, Gutekunst’s decisions seem to be gaining support as the Packers’ performance improves.
While the Packers hold a 5-6 record compared to the Jets’ 4-6 (soon to be 4-7), optimism surrounds Green Bay. Fans are recognizing Gutekunst’s vision, contrasting with the challenges faced by the Jets.