GM Douglas ‘fired up’ to improve team
EAST RUTHERFORD >> Joe Douglas made it clear that the Jets’ roster is still a work in progress.
The first-year general manager also let the rest of the NFL know his team is open for business before the regular season begins in two weeks.
“We have an opportunity to really upgrade this team,” Douglas said before the Jets’ preseason loss to New Orleans on Saturday night. “We’ve got the third waiver claim and we plan on using it.
“So, we’re fired up.” Douglas has been tinkering with the roster the past few weeks during training camp, trying to add depth at positions that need help such as cornerback, linebacker and offensive line. He anticipates being busy this week, with the final preseason game Thursday night, through cuts, claims and possible trades.
“Next week’s a big week for us, for our pro scouting staff,” Douglas said. “You know, 1,200 guys are going to hit the market next Friday and Saturday. We’ve got to be prepared — and we are prepared.”
Douglas, who replaced the fired Mike Maccagnan in June, said he and his staff have a “target list” of players they’re interested in trying to bring to the Jets. They’ve gone through the Jets’ preseason games as well as those of other teams “with a fine-tooth comb,” identifying players who could help them this season and beyond.
Houston’s Jadeveon Clowney remains a name frequently mentioned in trade rumors. The 26-year-old edge rusher would be a quick fix for the Jets, whose defense under Gregg Williams could use another sack-happy presence. Projected starting outside linebacker Brandon Copeland is suspended the first four games of the regular season for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancers, so New York could use help at that spot.
“We are going to focus on the edge,” Douglas said. “That’s always going to be a priority for us.”
Clowney would be costly, though, and likely in the form of significant draft picks. But that’s something Douglas didn’t dismiss as a possibility.
“If it was the right player, we certainly would entertain it,” Douglas said, speaking in general terms. “We’re in the business of making this roster better. If the right opportunity presented itself, I certainly wouldn’t shut it down.”
Douglas wasn’t asked specifically about Clowney, and the GM didn’t mention the Texans star by name — that would violate NFL tampering rules — but it was clear who everyone was talking about.
“I feel like you’re narrowing this player down,” Douglas said with a smile when asked if trading draft capital was a possibility. “If it’s the right player, right situation, we’d consider it.”
Clowney, in particular, would also be a tricky add in that he’s due $15.9 million this season under the franchise tag — which he hasn’t yet signed, but is about $4.6 million more than the Jets currently have under the salary cap. So, Douglas would need to be creative to make that work. He’s also not under contract beyond this season, so it would be a one-year rental until New York could potentially negotiate with him after the season ends.