The New York Jets’ tumultuous season hit a new low as the team announced the firing of general manager Joe Douglas.
The decision follows the Jets’ dismal 3-8 record, virtually eliminating any hopes of a playoff appearance and signaling dissatisfaction with the franchise’s trajectory.
Douglas, who took over as GM in 2019, played a significant role in assembling a roster featuring standout players like cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
However, all three of those players have taken enormous steps back this season, especially Gardner.
Regardless, critics argue that persistent quarterback issues and questionable personnel decisions ultimately sealed his fate.
Speaking of quarterback issues, it’s safe to say the Aaron Rodgers experiment has been a borderline-historic failure.
Rodgers’ Jets tenure began on a sour note when he suffered a torn Achilles on the very first offensive series of 2023.
The injury sidelined Rodgers, but his post-injury choices raised eyebrows. Instead attending a mandatory minicamp with the team, Rodgers opted for a vacation to Egypt, a move some within the organization interpreted as a lack of commitment.
Critics argue the Jets should have taken this as a cue to secure a dependable backup quarterback. Instead, players like Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle departed to other teams, leaving the Jets with an even weaker quarterback room.
Rodgers turns 41-years-old in a few weeks, and despite stating that he plans to play next season, there are rumblings that the Jets might be done with him.
“With a totally new regime in 2025, it likely means Aaron Rodgers won’t be back. A new GM and new HC will probably want their own QB. Rodgers has a good relationship with Douglas, and last week he advocated for Jeff Ulbrich — and it’s hard to imagine him wanting to even be back,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported on X.
Rodgers began his tenure with the Jets with arguably more power than any one single player has ever had in NFL history – even more than Tom Brady had.
In many ways, Rodgers was the real general manager in Florham Park and was able to convince Douglas to sign certain players he wanted.
Fast forward to now, the head coach and general manager who were in place when Rodgers arrived are both fired and the Jets are in a worse position than nearly every other franchise in the NFL.
Owner Woody Johnson released a statement shortly following his decision to fire Douglas.
“Today, I informed Joe Douglas he will no longer serve as the General Manager of the New York Jets. I want to thank Joe for his commitment to the Jets over the last six years and wish him and his family the best moving forward. Phil Savage will be the Interim General Manager for the remainder of the season. We will begin the process to identify a new General Manager immediately.”
In fairness, the title of this story is a little harsh. As is the overall criticism that Rodgers is facing.
After all, anyone who’s watched the Jets this season knows very well that Rodgers is far from the only problem on the team. As a matter of fact, he’s towards the bottom of the list.
Gang Green’s defense was supposed to be among the league’s best. Some analysts even tabbed the unit as one of the most talented in recent memory. However, they have been a colossal disappointment, and that’s putting it lightly.
As for the offense, while Rodgers has clearly lost a step (or three), his offensive line and unreliable skill players haven’t done him any favors.
All in all, the Rodgers Jets era is looking like one of the biggest busts in sports history based on what the expectations were.
What are your thoughts on the decision to fire Douglas?
He was most likely a goner after this season anyways – but what message does it send to kick him to the curb in the middle of the season?
More importantly, where will Rodgers be playing next season? … Does he need to seriously consider retiring???
