Saleh: Rodgers' interest in joining Jets 'shows how far we've come'

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said he's proud of what his team is building, adding that Aaron Rodgers being interested in playing in the Big Apple this year shows how much N.Y. has improved lately.

"Two years ago when we first got there, just thinking about where we were and how far we've come," Saleh said, according to Bobby Kownack of NFL.com. "To have a guy like him want to play for us is pretty cool and shows how far we've come. But we still have a long way to go and a lot of work to do."

Rodgers recently said he intends to play for New York in 2023. The Jets and Green Bay Packers have been engaged in conversations regarding a trade involving the four-time NFL MVP, who's spent his entire career in Green Bay.

The Jets posted a 7-10 record in 2022, up from 4-13 in 2021 during Saleh's first year as head coach. New York also significantly improved on defense, ranking fourth in points allowed just a year after finishing dead last in that category.

However, the team struggled offensively - particularly at quarterback - and missed the playoffs for the 12th straight season. N.Y. started four different QBs last year.

The Jets have also revamped their wide receiver depth chart, trading away Elijah Moore and signing Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman. New York still rosters 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis, among others.

"It's a dynamic room," Saleh said. "Lazard and Corey make our two very big receivers who can provide a lot in terms of the run game and getting those big-body, big-boy routes and those hard, over-the-middle concepts. And you've got Mecole Hardman, who just has blazing speed. Adding that speed element to our group.

"It's a really exciting group of receivers," he added.

New York hasn't had a winning season since 2015.

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