Aaron Rodgers effectively holds the reins of the New York Jets.

While Woody Johnson, sorry, Ambassador Johnson, is technically the owner, it’s clear that Rodgers is the player steering this team.

Just a week after the dismissal of Robert Saleh, the Jets fulfilled Rodgers’ demands by acquiring Davante Adams on Tuesday. This makes it a total of 10 former Green Bay Packers brought in to create a familiar environment for their quarterback.

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and wide receiver Allen Lazard are still with the Jets. Last season, backup QB Tim Boyle, receivers Randall Cobb and Malik Taylor, safety Adrian Amos, and offensive linemen Jake Hanson, Dennis Kelly, and Billy Turner joined the exodus from Green Bay to New York.

It’s likely that there’s even a David Bakhtiari jersey tucked away in the Jets’ equipment room, awaiting a potential comeback.

However, by providing all the support Rodgers desired, the Jets removed any justifications he might have had.

If the Jets’ season continues to deteriorate, all eyes will be on Rodgers. They are a struggling franchise with an NFL-worst 13-year playoff drought, and their talent for losing is surpassed only by their knack for poor decision-making. Hello, Zach Wilson?

Rodgers is a four-time MVP and a Super Bowl champion. Throughout 16 years of starting, he missed the playoffs only twice when healthy. The Jets see him as the solution to their long history of disappointment, akin to their modern-day Joe Namath.

And all of this comes after the organization allowed Rodgers to have a say in the roster composition.

“Salvageable? We’re going to kick — you can fill in the blanks,” Johnson stated at the NFL owners meeting in Atlanta. “We’re going to perform really well.”

Rodgers has to ensure that they succeed. If the Jets fail to win after all the adaptations made for him, especially after what was expected to be a Super Bowl-worthy season, the blame will land on him.

It won’t be the rebuilt offensive line’s fault, nor the run game or defense, which have both been satisfactory. It will be on Rodgers.

If you want to call the shots, you must be prepared to face the consequences.

Acquiring Adams is a sensible decision for the Jets, given their struggling offense, a significant reason they are currently sitting at third in the AFC East after a loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday.

Adams was Rodgers’ primary target during their time together on the Green Bay Packers for good reason, accumulating 73 touchdowns and 8,121 receiving yards. In 2020, he led the NFL with a career-high 18 touchdowns and boasted a 66% reception rate in Green Bay.

Despite the turmoil with the Las Vegas Raiders, Adams still remained productive. He led the league with 14 touchdowns in 2022 and recorded over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons there. When he expressed a desire to leave Las Vegas, numerous teams were eager to sign him.

“I think anyone would be interested,” Johnson remarked.

The Jets, like the rest, were eager to sign Adams after Rodgers expressed his interest. Adams was in New York bright and early on Tuesday and is set to make his debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday night.

“I’m obviously thrilled,” Rodgers said on his weekly segment on The Pat McAfee Show. “I love Tae. He’s an exceptional talent and a close friend.”

It makes sense that the Jets wish to keep Rodgers satisfied; he is their key to regaining former glory.

Rodgers also has a history of holding grudges, and the Jets need him to feel valued and heard for their plans to succeed. If that means allowing him influence over the roster, it’s a manageable cost.

As long as it leads to positive results.

Rodgers has no more excuses left. He has received everything he wanted and now, the time has come for him to perform.