The New York Jets seem to be a dysfunctional mess. Should Joe Douglas be blamed and take the fall? Or does he need to stay and fix it? Let's debate.
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Joe Douglas has had an extensive career in the NFL, particularly noted for his role as the General Manager (GM) of the New York Jets, a position he assumed in June 2019 after signing a six-year contract. Here's a summary of his career:

**Early Career**: Douglas started his NFL journey with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000, where he worked for 15 seasons primarily in scouting roles, contributing to the team's success including two Super Bowl victories (XXXV and XLVII). His roles evolved from a player personnel assistant to various scouting positions, ultimately becoming a national scout.

**Chicago Bears**: In 2015, he served as the Director of College Scouting for one season.

**Philadelphia Eagles**: Douglas joined the Eagles in 2016 as the Vice President of Player Personnel, aiding in building the team that won Super Bowl LII.

**New York Jets**: As the GM, Douglas has been tasked with turning around the Jets, a team with a prolonged playoff drought. His tenure has been marked by:
**Team Performance**: Under his leadership, the Jets have not yet had a winning season or made the playoffs, with records like 7-9 in 2019, 2-14 in 2020, 4-13 in 2021, 7-10 in 2022, and a similar record in 2023. By 2024, they showed slight improvement but still below expectations with a 2-5 record indicating ongoing challenges.

**Key Moves**:
Trading away talents like Jamal Adams, Sam Darnold, and Leonard Williams for draft picks, aiming to rebuild through the draft.
Acquiring Aaron Rodgers, although Rodgers' injury on his first drive with the Jets in 2023 was a significant setback.
Drafting notable players like Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, who won Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year respectively in 2022.

**Philosophy and Reputation**: Douglas is known for his scouting acumen, patience, and a focus on building through the draft. His approach emphasizes creating a competitive culture, acquiring draft capital, and making calculated moves in free agency without overspending.

**Personal Background**: Born on July 20, 1976, in Mechanicsville, Virginia, Douglas played college football at the University of Richmond, where he was an All-Atlantic 10 selection. Before his NFL executive career, he even had a brief stint as an extra in the film "The Replacements."

Joe Douglas's career reflects a blend of strategic patience and decisive action, aiming to bring long-term success to the Jets, although tangible success in terms of wins has been elusive thus far. His tenure is characterized by an attempt to change the franchise's direction through youth and key acquisitions, though the results of these efforts are still unfolding.