Perhaps some of the Joe Douglas discord has been premature?
The New York Jets general manager has been put on the hot seat by ownership and the fanbase after failing to build a consistent winner (or offensive line) in his first six seasons at the helm.
In one week, he might have changed all the narratives.
New York may have been relatively quiet at the start of free agency, but moves made by the general manager have quickly been made to turn their offensive line from an Achilles heel to a team strength.
First, it was the signing of left guard John Simpson. For just $9 million, the Jets solved a position of need without breaking the bank. Then, it was the trade for right tackle Morgan Moses. For a fourth-round pick swap and a compensatory sixth-round pick, to come away with an above-average right tackle is excellent value.
Friday night was when Douglas went for the jugular.
New York signed All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith to a one-year contract worth nearly $20 million. In Smith, the Jets acquired one of the best players in league history when healthy, while also keeping themselves flexible to make more signings throughout the offseason, and especially the 2024 NFL Draft.
Calls for Douglas’ job or questioning his aptitude as an executive quickly turned to cheers amongst the fans of Jets nation. Finally, after years of searching, it has at least appeared their offensive line problems have ended.
Douglas isn’t done, though. Nor should he be. New York still has needs at safety, receiver, and running back to solve. While the organization may need to make more cap room, they are in a position to do so without mortgaging its prospects in any way. It’s the brilliance of having a general manager with a salary cap management and trade background.
The Jets may currently be preparing for their visit with Mike Williams on Monday, and have plenty of draft capital to improve the depth of the roster, but one thing is adamantly certain.
Anger towards Douglas, at least to start free agency, has been completely misplaced.
Of course, Jets fans have seen this before. They’ve seen big offseasons blown up the minute games are played. In a way, the fanbase will not be satisfied with Douglas’ roster moves until the organization improves on his 27-56 record.
But we’re a long way away from meaningful games being played. All fans and analysts can do right now is grade moves for what they currently are, and if it sets the team up for success.
Luckily for New York, each move made this offseason does that in droves.
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