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Joe Douglas was hired by the Jets one year ago Sunday, becoming the latest GM entrusted to turn the franchise around. He was hailed as a well-respected football lifer. His friendship with Adam Gase promised a more functional front office. Many around the league thought the Jets had finally gotten it right.
So one year later, did they? Are they better off now than they were on June 6, 2019?
The answer is probably yes. But as Jets fans know all too well, to really judge how Douglas is doing, everyone will just have to wait and see.
"He's the right guy for that job, and I like a lot of the things he's been doing," said an executive with another AFC team. "Are the Jets better than they were a year ago? I don't know. Probably not much. But remember, Joe is just getting started. This still isn't really all his team."
That's the problem, of course, with evaluating the first year of the Douglas regime. This was his first offseason at the helm where he could sign the free agents he wanted and draft the players of his choice. He certainly put his stamp on the team with his focus on the offensive line and his refusal to overspend for quick-fix players.
But about one third of the Jets' roster is still comprised of players brought in by his predecessor, Mike Maccagnan. So it's not yet completely his team.
"It takes two to three years for a new GM to really get the team he wants in place," said a current NFL general manager. "Joe will get there. He seems like he's taking the right first steps. But they're still first steps."
The general consensus, though, seems to be that Douglas has taken good first steps. In interviews with several sources around the league, Douglas was praised for his methodical approach to fixing a Jets franchise that has missed the playoffs for nine straight seasons. Among the things that has gotten the attention of people around the league are his focus on rebuilding the offensive line, his fiscal responsibility in free agency, and what one scout described as an "outstanding" first draft.
And internally, many people have praised Douglas for his work ethic and the work environment he created -- something that was often criticized under Maccagnan. He seems to have a knack for making everyone truly feel like a part of the process. And by all accounts, even through some disagreements, he and Gase have made their relationship work.
But are the Jets better? The bar wasn't all that high after they clawed their way to a 7-9 finish last season after a miserable 1-6 start. But not everyone is convinced they'll clear it.
"It's going to take time," an NFC scout said. "I like every player he added to that offensive line. Are any of them great? No. But in time they'll be fine. Sam Darnold is terrific, but who's he throwing to? They still aren't loaded with offensive weapons. And is that defense really any better, or are they going to need Gregg Williams to perform another miracle again?
"There just aren't answers to a lot of the questions yet."
There are definitely holes that Douglas still needs to fill. This offseason, as promised, he focused on the offensive line, where he spent the most money in free agency (signing center Connor McGovern, guards Alex Lewis and Greg Van Roten and tackle George Fant) and his first-round draft pick (tackle Mekhi Becton). It was a big bet on his belief that fixing the team's biggest problem would be enough to fix the offense overall.
But by spending there, he didn't spend on receiver, where he let Robby Anderson go and replaced him with Breshad Perriman. And on defense, his most expensive acquisition was the one-year, $3.75 million deal he gave journeyman cornerback Pierre Desir, despite his team's need for more help at cornerback and edge rusher. He is hoping that the healthy return of linebacker C.J. Mosley and more brilliant coaching from Williams will be enough.
Who knows if he'll be right, especially as the Jets face one of the most difficult schedules in the league in 2020.
"If you assume Sam Darnold will be healthy and the line will gel, then they're probably better than they were last year," the AFC executive said. "They are more talented, but probably only marginally. They didn't go out and load up with top players in free agency, like the Dolphins. They added solid players, role players, and that's important. But not a lot of difference-makers.
"But again, give him a break. This is just Year 1. And he's off to an encouraging start."