NFL community roasts Aaron Rodgers after Jets fire Nick Bawden to include injured QB on the roster: “Self-serving fraud”

When Aaron Rodgers got traded to the New York Jets, many fans and analysts predicted that the scenario of the franchise would change, just like Tom Brady did to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following his two-decade career with the New England Patriots. While TB12 was successful in his mission by ensuring a Super Bowl title for the Bucs in his debut year, A-Rod largely failed in his goal.

Rodgers can’t be blamed for it as his torn Achilles cut the hope brutally. However, the NFL community found a specific reason to criticize the former Green Bay Packers quarterback, as his inclusion in the practice squad cost the spot of Nick Bawden from the team.

Nick Bawden waived by Jets to make way for Aaron Rodgers

The Jets have once showcased their immense love in Aaron Rodgers by giving him the chance to nurture him back to full fitness. After a 14-week hiatus due to a torn Achilles and subsequent surgery on September 13, the QB was officially activated from injured reserve on Wednesday. Though he will not be seeing any game time this season, this move enables him to continue his rehabilitation while participating in team practices.

The urgency to bring the four-time MVP back stemmed from the imminent closure of his 21-day practice window. Jets head coach Robert Saleh discussed the importance of the signal-caller’s presence on the field by citing its positive impact not just on him but also on his teammates.

“It’s all part of his rehab. Just having him on the field is a plus for everybody, for him and his teammates”, Saleh.

However, this activation came at a cost, as veteran fullback Nick Bawden was waived to accommodate A-Rod on the 53-man roster.

Bawden, a consistent contributor in 14 games this season, proved his caliber with 104 offensive snaps and a significant role on special teams. His presence on the field correlated with Gang Green’s offensive performance, especially in the two games where they scored over 30 points. During those two games, he played more than 25% of the snaps.

The 27-year-old vet ranked among the top ten fullbacks in the Pro Bowl standings. He had been with the Jets since 2021 and amassed 104 offensive snaps during his tenure.

Originally a seventh-round pick by the Lions in 2018, Bawden’s career faced hurdles due to knee injuries, which eventually allowed Jason Cabinda to transition successfully from linebacker to fullback during his time with the team. As the fullback enters the waiver system, his future with Gang Green remains uncertain, albeit there is a possibility of rejoining the team via the practice squad if he clears waivers.

NFL fans blast Aaron Rodgers

Before getting activated in the practice squad, Aaron Rodgers repeatedly showcased his optimism about resuming play this season. Days ago, ESPN’s senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported A-Rod would receive medical clearance to play in the upcoming week.

Following Schefter’s report, the four-time MVP seemed doubtful about his potential to play again this season. During his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, he said, “It’s unrealistic” to expect him to be at full capacity shortly. Ultimately, the veteran got activated by the Jets, albeit he wouldn’t play.

The NFL community was frustrated following the Jets decision to waive an active player to make room for A-Rod. They blasted him for boldly claiming not to play this season but for leading an active player to get waived just to continue practicing.

A fan wrote, “We need to cut you so a guy who said yesterday on TV that he isn’t playing this season can hang out on the practice field.”

A netizen wrote, “Rodgers so selfish, gets a guy bounced and won’t even play.”

The 40-year-old signal-caller has repeatedly showcased his commitment to Gang Green. During his rehabbing process, the QB was seen on the stadium to cheer for his team, and also backed up Zach Wilson several times. However, many netizens thinks he just pretends to care for the Jets.

A fan wrote, “Once again, Rodgers makes everything about himself while pretending to be about the team. He is such a self serving fraud.”

From making a bold move to trade for Aaron Rodgers to waiving a player to just activate him for practice, the Jets have showcased their immense commitment to A-Rod. As of now, the QB will not get any chance to pay back the team as they are out of the playoff run. Now, it remains to be seen if A-Rod can ultimately prove himself capable of the back-to-back bold moves of the Jets by ending their playoff drought in the 2024 NFL season.