Robert Saleh has spoken at the NFL’s annual league meeting, and he had some interesting things to say.
It’s a new year in the land of the New York Jets, and, for fans, there’s hope for change this time of year. It begins in free agency. Then the league holds its annual meeting where we hear from the general managers and head coaches for the first time in the new year. Finally, the conclusion is the NFL Draft.
The biggest thing Robert Saleh addressed, though, was the offensive line. According to Antwan V. Staley of the New York Daily News, he said they were going to make changes to the offensive line preparation.
Robert Saleh says he will make some changes to how the team will handle the offensive line in the spring and summer hoping to avoid the injury bug. He didn't get into how they will do that. #Jets
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) March 25, 2024
Robert Saleh also channeled the ghost of Al Davis, basically saying, “Just win baby.” According to Zack Rosenblat of The Athletic Saleh said, “…he will be (better). When you lose, you’re a loser. I suck, Joe D sucks, we all suck…” (about Nathaniel Hackett) and “We gotta win football games,” about what they learned from last season. He also said that they believe in the young players to step up and be quality backups in case of injuries. He was, of course, alluding to Max Mitchell and Carter Warren.
There’s nothing spectacular there, and actually what should be expected from Saleh.
The thoughts on Warren and Mitchell are telling. The Jets clearly believe they have a future as bookend tackles (at least backups for now) in the NFL. Frankly, they should believe in them and give them a chance to grow in this offseason. Yes, it’s a win-now offseason, but they can also build for the future so the cupboard isn’t bare (or close to it) too. They need another veteran backup just in case, but they should also see where the two are in their growth.
Saleh also refused to take answers on Jadaveon Clowney and Zach Wilson, deferring to Joe Douglas. That’s acceptable.
He also addressed the two players coming off major injuries. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, Robert Saleh said the following
Saleh at the coaches breakfast: Mike Williams is on the same timleline as Breece Hall in terms of rehab. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 25, 2024
Saleh expects Rodgers to be available for the spring practices. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 25, 2024
AVT (Achilles) is expected for week 1, Saleh says. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 25, 2024
What he said about Alijah Vera-Tucker and Aaron Rodgers wasn’t surprising. Mike Williams being on the same timeline as Breece Hall is great news because he will likely be ready for Week 1. Also, his limited necessary role means a pitch count was already going to be in the cards.
Ultimately, there was a lot of coach-speak in the discussion at the league meeting. Robert Saleh is who he is when talking to the media. He always tries to be open and honest while also not being too much of an open book.
As Saleh said, there’s still a lot of work to do on the roster. That said, it is very telling that the organization is building belief in the young players, which has been missing for a long time.
Where do the Jets stand for 2024? Only time will tell us that answer. Saleh believes in the team, though, and he believes in the direction the franchise is headed. It’s put up or shut up time for the Jets in 2024.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
