2 days Ago By Eric Smithling, Yardbarker
Billionaires say the darndest things. A week after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones declared war on curtains with a strange rant about the sun, The Athletic reported Jets owner Woody Johnson was just as nonsensical earlier this season. NFL insiders Dianna Russini and and Zack Rosenblatt shared on Tuesday that during a meeting with staff members following a 10-9 Week 4 loss to the Broncos, "Johnson suggested to the coaches that they bench Aaron Rodgers in favor of Tyrod Taylor.
" Rodgers has appeared far from his four-time MVP peak this season, but the idea that Taylor would fare much better is far-fetched. Russini's and Rosenblatt's report is another example of a wealthy owner meddling where they don't belong. It's likely no coincidence that the Jets, Cowboys and Panthers, owned by hedge-fund manager David Tepper, have all performed poorly.
In each instance, Johnson, Jones and Tepper have shown that whatever business acumen they have doesn't translate to winning football. Per ESPN's Rich Cimini , "Johnson, 77, has taken a more hands-on approach since the end of last season in both personnel and contract matters." During the offseason, the Jets acquired edge-rusher Haason Reddick via trade, but he held out through Week 7 while seeking a contract extension.
In 2023, multiple reports indicated Tepper insisted on the Panthers selecting quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick instead of C.J.
Stroud. Stroud won last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, while Young was benched after two games this season. Jones is the Cowboys' de facto general manager, and his lack of urgency in getting deals done for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and improving the roster via free agency this offseason has contributed to Dallas' 3-7 start.
Based on their recent decisions, people might suspect that the three don't have the brightest football minds. Recently shared comments from Jones and Johnson are removing all doubt..
