For a piece published on Thursday, NFL analyst Randy Mueller of The Athletic wrote that some curious offseason activity suggests New York Jets owner Woody Johnson may be preparing to move on from general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh next offseason.
"Assistant GM Rex Hogan left the team after five years working with Douglas," Mueller explained. "Director of player personnel Chad Alexander departed to join the (Los Angeles Chargers) in February. Neither has been replaced. It would be very odd for a team to leave such roles unfilled entering a season."
The Douglas-Saleh partnership didn't prevent the Jets from producing what became the longest active playoff drought among the four major North American sports leagues. Douglas joined the organization ahead of the 2019 season, while Saleh accumulated an 18-33 record across his first three campaigns with the Jets.
It's hardly a secret that Johnson retained Douglas, Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett this offseason largely because the three are backed by starting quarterback and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
However, the fact that the Jets reportedly "made legitimate attempts this offseason to hire someone who would, essentially, replace Hackett" indicates whispers about Johnson blowing things up if the club endures yet another losing season are accurate.
"Is ownership saving money? Beyond those unfilled roles, the Jets' cash spending is down considerably in 2024, ranking 21st at $261.4M after ranking fifth at $280.8M in 2023," Mueller continued. "Are these things coincidental or part of a vision to protect against possible changes in the future? Perhaps Woody Johnson, with his GM and coach on thin ice, doesn’t want them making financial decisions that could instead be made by the next regime."
Rodgers turns 41 years old this December, has thus far given the Jets just four meaningful snaps since he joined the club in April 2023, is coming off a torn Achilles he suffered this past September and recently skipped New York's two-day mandatory minicamp because of what may or may not have been a vacation overseas.
He, along with Douglas and Saleh, could be shown the door if the Jets don't make a playoff appearance in January 2025.
