Aaron Rodgers makes surprising suggestion for Mike Williams replacement

He's on the New York Jets' roster as a result of his special teams ability, but the starting quarterback has strongly suggested that Irv Charles is no one-trick pony.

The 27-year-old wide receiver, who initially joined the Jets as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2022, has essentially replaced former Pro Bowl gunner Justin Hardee on New York's kick coverage units. Seemingly embracing his expanded role, Charles has logged 153 special teams snaps over the season's first nine games.

With recent developments, however, there could be an even greater opportunity for Charles in the coming weeks.

As dynamic wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams attract the majority of targets, along with attention from opposing defenses, there's room for an additional contributor to step up in the passing game. The Jets, however, apparently determined that Mike Williams was not the right fit for that position, trading him away to Pittsburgh, and veteran Allen Lazard is on Injured Reserve due to a chest issue."

"I'd love to see Irv get a chance, too," said future Hall-of-Fame field general Aaron Rodgers as the Jets prepare for a Week 10 road test against the Arizona Cardinals.

Charles has played in 21 career games, primarily as a specialist but he logged 48 offensive snaps over that span. Still searching for his first reception, he has been targeted only once this season although Rodgers appears interested in expanding the 6-foot-4 receiver's involvement on offense.

"Irv does so much for us. He's a super unselfish guy. An absolute menace on special teams, but he had a nice training camp at receiver. I'd love to see him get some opportunities as well," said Rodgers. 

If deployed, Charles could see some balls thrown his way with the defense likely focused on containing Wilson and Adams.

"It's hard to double both guys, but if you do, that's opportunities for everyone else, in the middle or on the outside," said Rodgers.

The Jets visit the Cardinals on November 10 for a 4:25 pm ET kickoff.