The New York Jets have officially parted ways with general manager Joe Douglas, sparking a surge of frustration and heated debate among fans. Douglas exits after leading the team to a disappointing 30-64 record, with no playoff appearances during his tenure. Despite flashes of brilliance in his drafting strategy, such as standout picks like Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, Douglas’ high-profile misses—especially with quarterback Zach Wilson in 2021 and tackle Mekhi Becton in 2020—cast a long shadow over his legacy.
The firing comes on the heels of an offseason filled with bold moves that failed to yield the hoped-for results. Douglas orchestrated the acquisition of former MVP Aaron Rodgers and star receiver Davante Adams, a pairing expected to elevate the Jets to contender status. Yet, even with this injection of top talent, the team continued to struggle. Fans, exhausted from years of disappointment, quickly expressed their discontent and raised eyebrows at the apparent immunity of Rodgers amid the turmoil.
Some fans even coined a new nickname—“LeRodgersGM”—to criticize the perceived favoritism shown toward Rodgers. The growing sentiment questions why Rodgers seems to escape criticism, with one fan commenting, “Everyone but Rodgers is the problem.” For many, it feels as if the blame is deflected onto everyone except the high-profile quarterback.
The backlash from fans was swift and direct. Some critiques took aim at Douglas’ decision to acquire a “washed-up 40-year-old QB,” while others pointed out the team’s need for an overhaul, likening the Jets to a sinking ship that’s barely able to patch up its issues before another crisis emerges. Yet, despite these changes, it seems no amount of management or coaching shifts can salvage a struggling franchise if the core issues remain unaddressed.
Douglas’ departure follows the recent firing of head coach Robert Saleh after the team’s poor start under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. Owner Woody Johnson’s decision to dismiss Douglas now rather than waiting until season’s end signals a sense of urgency to reset the franchise. This drastic move leaves fans wondering: is a true rebuild possible if the team’s most prominent figure—Rodgers—remains unaccountable? With another chapter in Jets history closing, the search for stability and success continues, but the question lingers: can the Jets truly reset their trajectory while seemingly turning a blind eye to their star quarterback?
