FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers' decision to take an unprecedented pay cut sends a championship message to the New York Jets' locker room and creates financial flexibility to pursue free agents such as running back Dalvin Cook, according to coach Robert Saleh and players. «I think it says a lot when the best player on your football team — a Hall of Famer — is willing to sacrifice something because he wants to win, which is ultimately what we're all here to do,» Saleh said Thursday, adding: «This was Aaron.
Aaron wanted to do this.» Tight end Tyler Conklin told ESPN, «The message we're getting is, he wants to win a Super Bowl.» The Jets might give Rodgers another asset, as they're scheduled to host Cook this weekend on a free agent visit.
The four-time Pro Bowl selection is due to arrive Friday for meetings and a physical. Saleh confirmed the visit, adding, «You can't say no to a great player.» Saleh has solicited input from Rodgers on Cook, who was released June 8 by the Minnesota Vikings in a salary cap move.
Noting that Rodgers has been playing in the NFL for as long as he's been coaching, Saleh said he will always lean on the 18-year veteran for opinions on personnel.