The New York Jets’ firing of Robert Saleh may have been a reason for Aaron Rodgers to shift blame for his disappointing start to the season.

That’s the verdict of former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, who was stunned Tuesday by the news of Saleh’s departure.

Jets owner Woody Johnson sent shockwaves through the sport by firing his head coach after just five games this season. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will now take over as interim manager for the remainder of the season.

While they suffered their second straight loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sunday, leaving them with a record of 2-3, Saleh could still have led the AFC East with a win over the Buffalo Bills on Monday.

According to Tafoya, Rodgers – who threw three interceptions against the Vikings – is equally responsible for the Jets’ problems this season.

The New York Jets’ firing of Robert Saleh may have been a “blame shifting” move by Aaron Rodgers

“Wow, it makes you wonder what kind of conversations were going on, doesn’t it?” she said on the Outkick podcast “Don’t @ Me With Dan Dakich” after learning Saleh had lost his job.

“Wow, I don’t know what to say about that. ‘Yeah, they’re definitely underperforming, but so is Aaron Rodgers.’

Rodgers has completed 61 percent of his passes in five games this season and averaged 218.6 yards per game with seven touchdown passes and four interceptions.

Still, it’s incredible that the Jets’ offense has scored as many points in five games with the four-time MVP as it did last year with Zach Wilson at quarterback (93).

And Tafoya, who worked as a sideline reporter for NBC for more than a decade, believes the decision to fire Saleh could well be intended to protect Rodgers.

“Look, it’s always the coach who goes first because you can’t fire an entire squad, so you have to attack the head coach,” she continued. “Maybe they’re looking for a coordinator, but that surprises me.” It’s still very early in the season to make that decision.

Saleh was released by the Jets after just five games this season following two straight losses

Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya believes the decision may have been to protect Rodgers

The long-awaited return of the quarterback after an injury has so far failed to inspire the Jets

“I know there are a number of quarterbacks that have a big impact on what’s going on in the front office.” I would say maybe Aaron could be one of those guys.

“But I got the impression that they got along, that Aaron was very close to the offensive coordinator in New York… that seems strange to me.”

“But the Jets want to shake things up. Obviously, this was an incredibly disappointing start for the entire team. A lot of people want to point the finger at Aaron, maybe that’s a way to shift the blame. I don’t know, that fascinates me.”

After confirming Saleh’s departure, Johnson revealed that he had spoken to Rodgers the night before his decision – although without discussing the head coach’s fate.

Through Adam Schefter, the businessman claimed that the former Super Bowl winner had no influence on Saleh’s impending departure. He said he consulted with general manager Joe Douglas, but ultimately it was his decision and his alone.

Woody stated that he believes a coaching change is necessary to maximize his players’ potential and end the franchise’s playoff drought.

Owner Woody Johnson insisted Rodgers had nothing to do with the decision to fire Saleh

The Jets haven’t made the postseason since 2011, when they lost the AFC championship game, something Johnson hoped to fix by naming Saleh in 2021.

But the Lebanese-American, who became the NFL’s first Muslim head coach when he joined the Jets, exits with a dismal 20-36 record after failing to make the playoffs in each of his three full seasons.

Saleh had six different starting quarterbacks during his time at MetLife; Rodgers comes after Zach Wilson, Mike White, Trevor Siemian, Tim Boyle and Joe Flacco.