New York Jets owner Woody Johnson was not messing around at the red carpet ahead of NFL Honors from Las Vegas Thursday evening.
Johnson talked about quarterback Zach Wilson. He also opened up about head coach Robert Saleh as well as general manager Joe Douglas. The owner did not hold back.
In speaking about the Jets’ quarterback situation a season ago, Johnson took a direct shot at Wilson by indicating that the team did not have a capable backup behind Aaron Rodgers.
That’s some shade right there. Remember, Rodgers went down just a few plays into his Jets career in Week 1. He was replaced by Wilson under center. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft was then benched multiple times throughout the remainder of the season, throwing just eight touchdowns compared to seven interceptions in 12 games (11 starts).
The Jets’ brass has pretty much made it clear Wilson will not be back with the team for a fourth season. But this is the first direct criticism thrown the quarterback’s way in such a startling manner from the organization.
Johnson was not done there. He also made it clear that head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas are firmly on the hot seat.
“The discussions we’ve had the last couple of months, they’ve seen me about as mad as I can be,” Johnson told reporters. “This is it. We have to produce this year.”
Related: New York Jets’ potential trade return for Zach Wilson revealed by NFL executives
The Jets finished this past season with a 7-10 record. They ranked 29th in the NFL in total offense. Their quarterbacks combined to throw 11 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions.
It was an ugly all-around performance for a team that entered the 2023 season with Super Bowl aspirations after acquiring Rodgers in a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers.
Johnson is not happy. He made that clear from Vegas Thursday night.