NY Jets GM Joe Douglas hints at an aggressive offseason approach

Expect Joe Douglas and the NY Jets to be more aggressive this offseason

The Jets will undoubtedly be players in the free-agent market. However, another doorway has officially been opened. During Joe Douglas' run as general manager, making player trades hasn't been a forbidden door, but the team hasn't been aggressive in adding elite players through the trade market.

The Jets have been sellers and stockpilers for the last few years. Douglas has made some minor under-the-radar deals and some significant ones, like netting the franchise its best draft assets in dealing away Sam Darnold and Jamal Adams. 

However, to this point, trading for talented elite young players hasn't been in the cards for the Jets and Joe Douglas until possibly now.

Many names are already being thrown out there as trade possibilities for the Jets, like Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley, among others. But the Jets may also look to target players approaching contract years or ones with significant salaries on cap-strapped teams.

For example, teams like the Steelers might be headed towards a substantial rebuild in 2022. And they could be looking to part ways with players like linebacker Devin Bush and wide receiver Chase Claypool. Names like these will be on the Jets' radar. 

Trying to win more games by bolstering your roster through trade without sacrificing your future is a delicate balance. However, the bottom line is that the Jets don't want to be conducting a season-ending press conference a year from now, where they are reflecting on another 4-13 season.

Therefore, don't be surprised if the Jets utilize their current and future assets to get better in a hurry. It's in play for the next phase. 

The win-loss record didn't matter in 2021, and it never did. The season for the Jets was about growing from within and for the future. However, the future is now, and the wins and losses will matter more in 2022.

The Cincinnati Bengals' rise from four wins in 2020 to the playoffs this year gives the Jets hope that they can do the same in 2022. But it won't happen until the team drastically improves from its current standing by exhausting every avenue possible.

By the sounds of it, that's where the Jets are headed.