The New York Jets just can’t catch a break—on or off the field. After a season that’s gone from bad to worse, the team decided to shake things up yet again by firing general manager Joe Douglas. It’s a bold move, but let’s be real: with a 3-8 record and playoff hopes in the trash, something had to give.
Everyone is wondering how much Douglas was earning, what his contract looked like, and how much he’s cashing in after this messy breakup, we’ve got all the details right here. Let’s break it down!
Joe Douglas’ Salary And Contract Details
Joe Douglas signed a six-year contract worth $18 million in 2019, earning $3 million annually. The Jets brought him in with high hopes after his success with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped build a Super Bowl-winning roster. New York tasked Douglas with leading a long-overdue rebuild, but six years later, he has a disappointing 30-64 record.
The Jets decided to part ways with him when his contract, which expires after the 2024 season, had less than a year remaining.
Why The Jets Fired Joe Douglas?
The decision to fire Douglas wasn’t a shock. The Jets have endured another dismal season, currently sitting at 3-8 after an offseason filled with lofty expectations. Questionable quarterback decisions, including drafting Zach Wilson and acquiring Aaron Rodgers, toughened Douglas’ tenure.
Rodgers, who joined the Jets this year, tore his Achilles just four snaps into the season. While the injury wasn’t Douglas’ fault, the move is now under scrutiny as the Jets’ playoff hopes are all but gone. Douglas also fired head coach Robert Saleh earlier in the season, handing defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich the interim role. However, the team has only won one game since Saleh’s departure.
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Also Read: New York Jets Announce Another Massive Firing After Their Latest Embarrassing Loss
Douglas’ Payout After Being Fired
Since Douglas was fired before his contract expired, he is entitled to the remaining money on his deal. With only a few months left on his six-year contract, Douglas will likely receive the remaining portion of his $3 million annual salary.
The exact payout depends on the terms of his contract, but it’s safe to assume he’ll walk away with a substantial sum.
Douglas’ Legacy With The Jets
Douglas’ time with the Jets wasn’t all bad. He was responsible for drafting key young players like:
- Sauce Gardner: A standout cornerback and one of the league’s brightest defensive talents.
- Garrett Wilson: A dynamic wide receiver who’s shown flashes of brilliance.
- Breece Hall: A promising running back despite injury setbacks.
- Jermaine Johnson: A solid piece in the Jets’ defensive puzzle.
But those successes were overshadowed by his misses, particularly at quarterback. Zach Wilson has been a bust, and the decision to hitch the Jets’ hopes to Aaron Rodgers, despite his age and injury concerns, hasn’t panned out.
What’s Next For The Jets?
Owner Woody Johnson announced that senior advisor Phil Savage would step in as interim GM while the team searches for a permanent replacement. Johnson emphasized that the franchise is looking for someone who can deliver results after years of underperformance.
The Jets have major decisions looming, including contract extensions for their young stars like Wilson, Hall, Gardner, and Johnson. They also face a potential roster overhaul, with veterans like Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers likely requiring restructuring or release to free up cap space.
The Jets have $31.3 million in cap space for 2025, according to Spotrac. However, they’ll need to manage dead cap hits carefully while preparing for a crucial draft.
Also Read: Jets Owner Woody Johnson’s Shocking Plan For Aaron Rodgers Following GM Joe Douglas’ Firing