New York Jets owner Woody Johnson reportedly rejects trade target over video game valuation – The Athletic

CNN
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Just when New York Jets fans thought there would be no more twists and turns in the 2024 season, another bolt from the blue was revealed.

According to The Athletic, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson turned down the chance to trade for current Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in the offseason, with the owner reportedly terminating the deal because of the receiver’s rating in the “Madden NFL” video game series.

The Jets declined to comment when contacted by CNN.

New York has had a difficult season since then. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been able to regain his old form, head coach Robert Saleh has been fired and the Jets have a record of 4-10.

General manager Joe Douglas was also relieved of his duties in the middle of a season that was far from the expectations of Gang Green supporters.

While New York was reportedly in disarray, Jeudy was traded from the Denver Broncos to Cleveland. The wide receiver was a revelation for the Browns as he posted a 1,000-yard season, the first of his career.

The 25-year-old has more than twice as many receiving yards as the Browns’ second-leading receiver.

While it’s unknown how well Jeudy would have performed in the Big Apple, it’s another story that will destroy confidence in the Jets’ future success.

The Athletic also adds that Johnson was hesitant to sign Jets guard and then free agent John Simpson in the offseason because of his Madden “name rating,” although the team ultimately signed Simpson.

The Jets host the Los Angeles Rams in their next game on Sunday.

New York must win all three final games of the season to match its record from last year. Without the injured Rodgers, the Jets managed to finish the 2023 season 7-10.