Jets general manager Joe Douglas cannot answer any direct questions about Deshaun Watson while the star quarterback remains with the Texans, but he was asked indirectly about him on Wednesday.
How would Douglas feel about changing various draft choices to acquire a player? Your answer may disappoint fans of the Jets.
“Ultimately, to get to where the big teams are, the most consistent teams, you do that through the draft,” said Douglas. “It is the most friendly sports market for teams. To really be that team that is competing consistently for the Super Bowls, we have to get our choices right in the draft. “
This should not be read as Douglas ruling out an exchange for Watson. It was a hypothetical question asked in a call from Zoom. There is no indication that the Texans are ready to negotiate Watson, who asked to be moved. If they do, the price will be steep, probably starting with three choices in the first round. This would go against Douglas’ philosophy of building through draft, but Watson may be a player worth breaking that rule.
Douglas didn’t go crazy with the free agency last year, instead choosing to hire many players for short-term deals for less money. With the free agency arriving on March 17 this year, Douglas has $ 76.1 million in estimated limit space (via Over The Cap) and holes in his entire roster. Will he be more aggressive this year at the free agency?
“We are better positioned than we were last year. I would say that our philosophy and posture have not changed, however, ”said Douglas. “Our goal and our plan is to be a team that really builds this through the draft and getting the draft right. Obviously, using the free agency to complement our list. If the opportunity and value meet, this is where we will be aggressive and get someone, we feel good about helping this team not only in the field, but with the culture inside the building. As long as we are better positioned, I think our philosophy has remained the same. “
New coach Robert Saleh recently met linebacker CJ Mosley at Jets’ Florham Park headquarters. Mosley dropped out of last season and lost all but two games in 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.
“He came and said hello. It was amazing to meet him, ”said Saleh. “I will not go into the details of our conversation. My expectation is no different than any other player who is here. For CJ, this is to continue to be the professional he has been since the day he was summoned and the leader he has been and to find ways to improve each day. J definitely has that mindset. “
Saleh was asked about his opinion of the Jets’ prospects after six weeks in office.
“We are going to get better. We will win championships here, ”said Saleh. “To give you a timeline, I would like to know. I would go to Vegas. “