Despite some promising moments, Joe Douglas’ tenure as Jets general manager has been marred by setbacks. His 2022 draft class, featuring rising stars like Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall, highlighted his talent evaluation skills and potential for building a strong future. However, even these successes have been overshadowed by significant missteps.
Douglas’ high-risk, high-reward trade for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2023 ultimately backfired when Rodgers tore his Achilles just four plays into the season. The Jets’ struggles have persisted, with the team now sitting at a 3-8 record in 2024 under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
While Douglas’ tenure may ultimately be defined by missed opportunities, his contributions shouldn’t be entirely overlooked. Building a core of young, dynamic players like Gardner and Wilson has given the team something to build on. Now, the Jets face the daunting challenge of finding the right leadership to turn promise into results.
This marks a critical juncture for the Jets, who are now tasked with finding both a new general manager and head coach—an unprecedented move for the organization since 2015. Despite having a roster filled with standout talent, glaring weaknesses remain. The team entered the 2024 season with Super Bowl aspirations, but with Douglas’ departure, those dreams now seem increasingly out of reach.
The future of the franchise hinges on these next decisions. As one fan put it, “We’ve been waiting for so long. It’s time to get this right.” Whether the Jets can finally deliver remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: change is here, and it’s massive.