Report: Jets QB Aaron Rodgers' '2024 watch list' includes six-time Pro Bowler

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers believes he's the New York Jets' pied piper.
ESPN's Rich Cimini reported the ex-Green Bay Packer is keeping a "watch list" of former teammates he wants to recruit in 2024, including star wide receiver Davante Adams, running back Aaron Jones and offensive tackle David Bakhtiari.

"[The Jets are] leaning on Rodgers, the way the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaned on Tom Brady in 2020," wrote Cimini. "Brady recruited key players such as tight end Rob Gronkowski who helped them to a Super Bowl. The Jets hope Rodgers, in Year 2, can do the same."

Landing Adams — a six-time Pro Bowler — is a challenge. The Las Vegas Raiders WR is in the second year of a five-year, $140M contract with $65.67M guaranteed, and a trade would probably require significant draft capital. 

Meanwhile, Jones and Bakhitari are cut candidates due to hefty cap hits and injury concerns. Bahktiari has only played in 13 games over the past three seasons and recently underwent season-ending knee surgery. Jones has missed six games this season with a lingering hamstring issue.

New York might not be able to afford all of these stars, either. Spotrac estimates it will have $15.21M in cap space in 2024, 20th in the NFL.
However, the organization must make big moves to end its 13-year playoff drought — the longest in the NFL — and rebuild an inept offense. Entering Week 16, the Jets (5-9) rank 30th in the league in points scored (14.4) and passing yards (170 YPG).

Hoping Rodgers — a four-time MVP — can attract other accomplished veterans and build a super team seems a little desperate, but it's a risk the franchise must take.