Jets laud Aaron Rodgers' sacrifice as Dalvin Cook set to visit - ESPN

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.

Thanks to Rodgers, the Jets don't have any salary cap concerns.

On Wednesday night, Rodgers signed a restructured contract in which he basically gives back almost $35 million. He was due to make close to $110 million in guarantees on his previous contract, inherited from the Green Bay Packers. His new deal includes $75 million in guarantees — his total compensation for 2023 and 2024.

Rodgers is counting only $8.9 million against the cap, which is less than backup quarterback Zach Wilson ($9.6 million). Rodgers' cap charge is the third lowest among