New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas is willing to pull out all the stops for his 53-man roster, even if it means sending big assets.
New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas wasn’t kidding when he expressed a desire to make moves in his opening press conference. It was one of the first promises he made when he took over the team in June.
This Jets team is indeed different from the one Douglas took over. Douglas was able to lure accoladed center Ryan Kalil out of retirement, brought in a seven-year veteran to help solve a suspended tight end issue (Ryan Griffin), and welcomed in faces familiar to his new coaches (linebacker Stephone Anthony).
Yet, Douglas hinted on Saturday afternoon that he might not be done.
Speaking prior to the Jets’ preseason showdown against the New Orleans Saints, Douglas reiterated a desire to make use of the waiver wire. The Jets have the third priority in that regard. It was enough to make the general manager declare he was “fired up”.
“There’s going to be opportunities (to add players), whether it’s trades, whether it’s claims,” Douglas said. “There’s going to be guys, really from that 46th, 47th spot on the roster all the way to 63 when you’re talking about your 10-man practice squad, where you can really bring in guys that help you in (spots of need).”
On the subject of trades, Douglas was asked whether he’d be willing to part with a high draft pick if it meant strengthening a key spot. Houston Texans defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney has reportedly been a topic of discussion in NFL trade circles.
Douglas was reluctant to talk about imaginary scenarios, but hinted it would definitely be under consideration.
“I would say, if it was the right player, we’d certainly entertain it,” Douglas said of potentially dealing a high pick. “We’re in the business of making the roster better. If the right opportunity presented itself, I certainly wouldn’t shut it down.”
"If it was the right player, right situation, we'd consider it"
Jets GM Joe Douglas doesn't rule out making a big trade before the season starts pic.twitter.com/a9MvCKoUCs
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 24, 2019
After Saturday’s battle with New Orleans, the Jets conclude their preseason at home against Philadelphia on Thursday. They open the regular season on Sept. 8 at home in a divisional matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
