The New York Jets are reportedly at a major disadvantage in recruiting NFL free agents because of a stadium-related issue.
During the latest edition of “Boomer and Gio” in New York, former NFL quarterback and current CBS analyst Boomer Esiason reported that the Jets are finding it difficult to recruit free agents because of the problems with the MetLife Stadium turf.
“I have been told that the Jets feel like it’s harder to attract free agents who are not Aaron Rodgers’ friends to the Jets because of the field and the stadium,” Esiason said. “That was from somebody inside the building. I think it’s multiple players.”
Players have been voicing concerns about the MetLife stadium playing surface for several years. The turf controversy came under the microscope following the Jets-San Francisco 49ers Week 2, 2020 contest.
The 49ers lost Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas for the year in that game after they both suffered ACL tears. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (sprained ankle) and running back Raheem Mostert (sprained MCL) also suffered injuries.
Of course, the Jets also lost starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers minutes into his New York debut with a torn Achilles in Week 1. Star wide receiver Garrett Wilson voiced frustration with the turf as well after suffering a non-contact injury against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Recruiting free agents at least wasn’t a problem for the Jets this past offseason. They acquired Rodgers via trade and signed running back Dalvin Cook and wide receivers Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Mecole Hardman (he was later traded back to the Kansas City Chiefs).
Losers of four straight, the Jets will try end their skid when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon.
