The New York Jets pulled off a rare move, firing general manager Mike Maccagnan a few weeks following the 2019 NFL draft. After months of preparation, the signing of several high-profile free agents including Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley, and the third-overall draft pick, Maccagnan was out in New York.
The Jets locked on to former Ravens scout and then-Philadelphia Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas as their next general manager. Once Douglas was hired, it seemed like only a matter of time before we’d see his Ravens connections brought in to help manage New York’s front office.
Well, it didn’t take long as Douglas poached Baltimore’s assistant director of pro personnel Chad Alexander, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Douglas also added former Ravens director of player personnel Phil Savage, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Douglas worked with both Alexander and Savage during his 15 years in Baltimore.
Alexander and Douglas were both scouts with the Ravens for over a decade together. Savage worked with Douglas for five years as Baltimore’s director of college scouting and director of player personnel before being hired by the Cleveland Browns as their general manager.
For a new general manager, especially in these unique circumstances, bringing in familiar faces is a wise strategy. It’ll allow Douglas to get up and running quickly and help set the tone for the rest of the staff. While it’s disappointing to see the Ravens once again used as a stepping stone, it’s a positive move for both Alexander and Savage.
It’s likely we’ll see Douglas turn his attention to Baltimore again this offseason, though it might come in the form of players. The Ravens have quite a bit of depth at a number of positions and the Jets could be in the market for some of Baltimore’s castoffs when the roster gets trimmed down to 53 players late in August.
