A big selling point for newly-hired New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas was simply their quarterback Sam Darnold.
This week, the New York Jets finally filled their vacated general manager position. They parted ways with Mike Maccagnan in May, having head coach Adam Gase fill the role on an interim basis.
Now, former Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas is manning the front office.
Douglas will now come into the organization ready to improve the roster from the start. When discussing why he took the job, he made it clear that quarterback Sam Darnold was a huge selling point for him.
“There was a sense of urgency in Philadelphia knowing that we had a young quarterback and we want to put the pieces around him,” Douglas said, per Steve Serby of the New York Post. “And I think there’s gonna be that same urgency anywhere, but especially with a young quarterback like Sam.
“Once you know you have the right guy, that’s a sense of urgency, let’s go win right now. I feel like that confidence is here right now.”
Darnold had an average rookie season as the Jets quarterback. He only threw 17 touchdowns to 15 interceptions.
But with a new offensive-minded head coach in Gase, a new running back in Le’Veon Bell, and a receiving core with potential, Darnold will be looking to have a big sophomore campaign.
Douglas realizes the potential for Darnold and is excited about the future of the organization with him at quarterback.
“Love his athleticism, love his ability to go through progressions,” Douglas said. “I think he’s a unique guy … he’s a very young player, just turned 22, but he shows the ability to have his eyes and feet to work through progressions quickly, and he throws an accurate ball. And just hearing about his leadership ability at such a young age is exciting, really exciting.”
Darnold is looking to become a leader and improve in this offense. With the weapons he now has around him, it shouldn’t be an issue in the long run.