The Jets found their new GM in Joe Douglas on Friday night.
The former Philadelphia Eagles VP of player personnel accepted a six-year deal to become the Jets’ fourth general manager in eight years. Douglas will replace Mike Maccagnan, who was fired in mid-May after five seasons in New York.
The roster that Douglas is inheriting is a talented one, but it still has some holes. Quarterback is not one of them, though, as Douglas already has his gunslinger of the future in Sam Darnold.
Darnold’s representatives also represent Douglas and Adam Gase. Darnold told reporters on Saturday that he was on the phone with his agents following the Douglas hire and heard nothing but great things.
“I know he’s done a great job with the Eagles so far and every other place he’s been,” Darnold said. “I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing what he can do for our team.”
Obviously, Douglas comes with high recommendations from Darnold’s agents, led by Jimmy Sexton. The winning resume is there; Douglas was part of a successful Baltimore Ravens scouting department and was a key architect in helping build the Philadelphia Eagles’ championship roster.
“You see what he’s done and how he’s helped an organization out,” Darnold added. “It’s definitely reassuring.”
While there may be a conflict of interest down the road in Darnold’s contract negotiations, it’s up to Douglas to ensure that he puts the best team possible around Darnold. Already having the face of the franchise’s stamp of approval goes a long way.
