For the first time this season, the New York Jets’ general manager has addressed the media.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Joe Douglas broke his silence on the firing of Robert Saleh and his reaction to it.
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“I know Woody spoke afterward. I don’t really have anything to add or any comment to add. All I can say is that since that decision was made, all of my energy and focus has been to do whatever I can to help Jeff Ulbrich, his staff, and the players turn this around.”
Douglas also addressed his job security in the press conference. The GM will be a free agent after the 2024 season.
“I come in here every day and just want to help the team reach its goals and its destination. Whatever happens, happens.”
The general manager also said that he speaks to owner Woody Johnson “every day” and that his “singular focus” is on the Cardinals.
From the quotes given, it sounds like Douglas could be an executive on his way out. His answers lacked enthusiasm, and his response about job security sounded like someone resigned to his fate. Unless the Jets turn things around after a dismal start to their season, this very well could go down as the end of Douglas’s tenure with the Jets.
Douglas has made some good moves, such as drafting the stars of the 2022 class and signing D.J. Reed in free agency. However, Douglas has repeatedly missed on draft picks and free-agent signings. He consistently failed to strengthen the offensive line and whiffed on the Zach Wilson draft pick in 2021, which both set the team back.
The Jets are teetering on the edge of tanking and relevancy. Regardless of the outcome, though, it is a fair bet that Douglas will not be part of the next steps that the Jets take.
