Tuesday afternoon marked the beginning of Joe Douglas’ tenure with the Jets, as he was formally introduced as New York’s newest general manager in a press conference.
Throughout the press conference, Douglas provided insight into the team’s current personnel and how he plans on running the front office now that he is in charge.
Here are four takeaways from Douglas’ introductory presser.
Relationship driven
Since the beginning of New York’s search for a new general manager, Douglas was considered the front-runner for the job given his pre-existing relationship with Adam Gase.
While his relationship with Gase made him feel comfortable with the Jets, it was Douglas’ interaction with Christopher Johnson that sold him on the organization’s vision for the future.
Considering the NFL is a relationship-driven business, it’s encouraging that Douglas has already formed a good one with his head coach and owner.
The will to win
Winning is everything to Joe Douglas. Now, he’s out to find players who share that same mindset.
Throughout his press conference, Douglas harped on the importance of bringing in players with an elite work ethic and will to win.
Mike Maccagnan placed an emphasis on players with raw talent during his time as Jets general manager. With Douglas now calling the shots, expect New York’s approach to adding talent to differ from the previous regime.
The hunt never stops
Free agency and the NFL draft have come and gone, but that does not mean the Jets cannot continue to add talent throughout the remainder of the offseason.
New York is currently in possession of the No. 3 waiver claim spot and Douglas plans on taking full advantage of that. Talented players have a tendency to come available throughout the summer. Douglas would like to take advantage of that and turn another organization’s trash into the Jets’ treasure.
“The hunt for players never stops,” Douglas said. “We’re going to comb through every waiver wire.”
Excited for the present
Douglas is excited to bring in new talent, but he’s well aware he already has plenty of it on the roster.
From Sam Darnold to Le’Veon Bell and Jamal Adams, Douglas gushed over the pieces New York currently has in place on both sides of the ball. Douglas would not go as far as offering any expectations for the upcoming season, but he believes Gang Green has plenty to work with heading into 2019.
“There are a lot of exciting pieces on this roster,” Douglas said.
