The Jets — and their fans — can return to focusing on Aaron Rodgers getting back on the football field.
After independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was mulling Rodgers on his ticket, he is now planning to instead choose Nicole Shanahan as his vice president pick, according to a report Saturday from Mediaite.
Kennedy told the New York Times earlier this week that the Jets quarterback, as well as ex-pro wrestler and former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, were among those he was considering as part of his bid for the White House.
But now, per Mediaite, Kennedy is likely tabbing Shanahan, 38, who is an attorney based in California and previously donated more than $4 million to the American Values 2024 super PAC to help fund the presidential candidate’s Super Bowl 2024 commercial, according to the Times.
Friday, Pro Football Talk reported the Jets did not believe Rodgers would join Kennedy’s campaign, though the quarterback had not told the team of any decision because he had been “off the grid” this week.
Rodgers, according to Pat McAfee, was in Costa Rica on a retreat to use the psychedelic drug ayahuasca when the Times story broke this week.
“The world found out when that man [Rodgers] was in Costa Rica,” McAfee said Wednesday on his eponymous ESPN show.
Now, the Jets and Rodgers can look toward getting him back under center without the threat of a political race on the horizon.
Rodgers, in a recent appearance on the “Keep Hammering Collective” podcast, said he wanted the Jets to beef up the offensive line and add another receiver.
And early in free agency, the Jets have reshaped the line of scrimmage for Rodgers.
Friday night, they made their biggest splash yet in acquiring eight-time Pro Bowl tackle Tyron Smith on a one-year deal, The Post’s Brian Costello confirmed.
Smith, a second-team All-Pro this past season, will likely be tasked with covering Rodgers’ blind side.
Gang Green also agreed to a two-year deal with guard John Simpson and re-acquired right tackle Morgan Moses in a trade with the Ravens this week.
The Jets allowed 64 sacks in 2023, tied for fourth-most in the NFL.
Rodgers notably lasted just four snaps into his debut Jets season, tearing his Achilles during the opening drive against the Bills in Week 1 as he was pressured by Buffalo’s pass rush.