Jets general manager Joe Douglas can’t answer any direct questions about Deshaun Watson while the star quarterback remains with the Texans, but was asked an indirect question on Wednesday.
How would Douglas feel about changing multiple draft picks to acquire a player? His response may disappoint Jets fans.
“Ultimately, to get to where the big teams are, the most consistent teams, you do it through the draft,” Douglas said. “It’s the friendliest sports market on the team. For us to really be the team that constantly competes in the Super Bowls, we have to get our draft selections ”.
This should not be read as Douglas rules out a trade for Watson. It was a hypothetical question posed in a Zoom call. There is no indication that the jeans are ready to replace Watson, who has requested to be transferred. If they do, the price will be exorbitant, probably starting with three first-round options. This would go against Douglas ’philosophy of building through the draft, but Watson may be a player worth breaking that rule to acquire.
Douglas didn’t go crazy at the free agency last year, but chose to hire many players on short-term contracts for less money. With the free agency coming March 17 this year, Douglas has $ 76.1 million in the estimated cap (via Over The Cap) and holes in its entire list. Will it be more aggressive this year in free agency?
“We are better positioned than at this time last year. I would say that our philosophy and position have not changed, however, ”said Douglas. “Our goal and our plan is to be a team that really builds it through draft and draft selection. Viouslybviament, using the free agency to complement our list. If opportunity and value are given , this is the point where we will be aggressive and get someone, we feel good helping this team not only on the ground but with the culture inside the building.Although we are better positioned, I think the philosophy has stayed the same ”.
New head coach Robert Saleh recently met with defender CJ Mosley at the Jets headquarters in Florham Park. Mosley retired from last season and missed both games except 2019, his first season with the team. The Jets hope to have Mosley back in 2021. Mosley has four years left on the five-year, $ 85 million deal he signed in 2019.
“It simply came to our notice then. It was awesome to get to know him, “Saleh said.” I won’t go into the details of our conversation. My expectation is no different from that of any other player here. For CJ, this will continue to be the professional one. that has been since the day he was selected and the leader that he has been and finding ways to improve every day. CJ definitely has that mindset. “
Saleh was asked about his opinion on the prospects for the Jets after six weeks of work.
“It simply came to our notice then. Here we will win championships “, said Saleh. “To give you a timeline, I’d like to know. I’d go to Las Vegas.”