Darren Mougey placed criminally low in NFL general manager rankings

It's safe to say New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey has a fairly high approval rating among fans, especially after all the moves made so far this offseason.

Mougey has done a good job overhauling New York's roster, swinging multiple trades to add experienced talent to the roster like defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and, of course, quarterback Geno Smith.

Free agency was solid, thanks to the fact that Mougey didn't overspend on any veterans, and only added players on reasonable contracts for players that will raise the floor, particularly on defense.

Even the 2026 NFL Draft, armed with two first-round picks, was a major win for Mougey. He added premier young talent such as edge David Bailey and tight end Kenyon Sadiq.

But somehow, the Jets' general manager can't seem to get any love from league-wide rankings, and the latest list from NBC Sports is just flat-out disrespectful.

Jets' GM Darren Mougey ranked at the bottom of the best NFL decision makers

Patrick Daugherty put together a ranking of the league's general managers, and he has Mougey coming in close to last at 29.

The only reason he isn't any lower is that Daugherty didn't include the three new general managers in the league, meaning Mougey was essentially at the bottom.

"Although Mougey cannot be blamed for the systemic rot in owner Woody Johnson’s organization, he had no positive additions take root in 2025, save for perhaps No. 7 overall right tackle Armand Membou. Mougey also can’t take the blame for hiring Aaron Glenn since the head coach arrived three days before him."

Patrick Daugherty

While it's fair to criticize the Jets' 2025 roster, it's hard to pin that all on Mougey. The cupboards in New York were bare, to say the least, and it's why he was forced to deal both Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at the deadline last year.

Where Mougey will really be judged is over these next two seasons. With all of the resources the Jets have, he has no excuse but to build a playoff-caliber roster.

If that happens, then Mougey will surely rise up those league-wide general manager rankings. He's just got to keep putting together solid offseasons like he did this year.

Otherwise, the Jets will be looking for a new general manager and head coach combination in the near future.

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