The New York Jets had several key pieces over the last few years walk out in free agency. For others, the organization quickly pushed them out the door themselves.
In the case of Brandin Echols and Aaron Rodgers, both players saw either side of that decision from the organization. Echols signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the hopes he would be able to compete for a starting job.
Now, Echols is looking to recruit another former Jet.
Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers was released by the team with a post-June 1st designation but can sign with any team beforehand. In the case of Echols, he hopes Rodgers will end up choosing Pittsburgh.
"Heck, yeah. Tell his (expletive) come on," Echols said of Rodgers' potential signing in Pittsburgh. "I'm a ducked-off, laid-back type of guy. I try to get a feel for everybody. He just started pushing his way toward me and making jokes. Poking at me and stuff. After a while, we just started talking."
Echols isn't the only former Jets player who has made it a point to talk about how strong Rodgers is as a teammate. The hope is that the quarterback will play better than he did last season, though.
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"I think he played good, especially toward the end of the season. I wish the outcome was a little better. But I think toward the end of the season he really started to wake up," Echols said.
Rodgers is reportedly stuck between retirement or joining the Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, or New York Giants.
And while that decision goes on, the Jets are sitting in the corner looking to pick up the pieces from his latest failure.
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM.