The New York Jets fired their General Manager Joe Douglas in his sixth and final year with the team. Douglas’ contract was up at the end of the 2024 season so he will be able to start his vacation early. In his tenure with the Jets, he had an atrocious record of 30-63 in his six years with the team. The Jets are sitting at an AFC East worst 3-8 after the team had high hopes during the preseason with future Hall of Fame Quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning for a full season. New York will now be looking for not only a new General Manager but a new Head Coach as well.
Joe Douglas Gets the Pink Slip
The New York Jets were expected to compete for a divisional title this season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was signed by Douglas and the Jets before the 2023 season after the Green Bay Packers moved on to Jordan Love. Many thought the Jets were a quarterback away from returning to the playoffs and upgrading to Rodgers from Zach Wilson had potentially huge upside. Rodgers unfortunately went down for the season in his first year with the team with only four plays under his belt. The return of the veteran quarterback had high expectations.
The Jets defense had been stellar for a few years and needed offensive help. Douglas decided to fire Head Coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start to the season. The firing was most likely premature and did not sit well with the Jets’ players. Many think Rodgers may have had a say in the firing. The team has gone 1-5 since.
After the firing of Saleh, Douglas brought in former teammate of Rodgers, Davante Adams to give the team a spark. Adams has only 1 touchdown with the Jets and under 300 yards with his new team. Since Rodgers came to New York, Douglas has tried making him as comfortable as possible by bringing in familiar weapons. With the firing, the Jets will have a busy offseason clearing house and bringing in a whole new personnel.
Final Thoughts
The Jets organization is an absolute dumpster fire. Year after year they continue to struggle to put a contender together. Rodgers is not the player he once was and the year off seems to be impacting him more than people realize. It will be interesting if he and Adams will be back next season with a new regime. The offensive line was not addressed this offseason and Rodgers continues to not have time. Not everyone is Tom Brady. Not all Hall of Fame quarterbacks can go out there at 40 years old and not regress. To cater to an aging quarterback may not be the best strategy and may cost you your job. Sorry, Joe!
