The Jets made one move at the NFL trade deadline, but it could have been more for GM Joe Douglas as rumors were flying around prior to teams needing to put the pencils and deals down at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Players like S Jamal Adams, WR Robby Anderson, and RB Le'Veon Bell highlighted the rumor mill leading up to the deadline, but the Jets remained steadfast and didn't lower their value of these players, among others.
Many expected the Jets to sell off their appealing assets, especially with their current 1-6 record. Douglas spoke to the media to address these rumors, and simply said this...
"At the end of the day, there was no fire sale, there's no garage sale with these players," Douglas stated in his opening remarks. "We value these guys a lot and ultimately the offers we received for these players didn't equal the value we have for them within this organization."
Douglas explained that "where I'm from, what I was taught is when a team calls you, you should always listen to what they have to say," which is why he was picking up the phone to hear offers. But nothing materialized.
In the end, only DL Leonard Williams was dealt to the Giants on Monday for a 2020 third-round pick and a 2021 fifth-rounder that could change to a fourth-round pick if the G-Men sign him to an extension.
Now, the focus return to the task at hand for the Jets: figuring out how to get consistent on both sides of the ball and start stacking wins. It begins this week in a very winnable game against the Dolphins down in Miami.
Like head coach Adam Gase has been saying, there's much more work to be done to get to where the Jets want to be. And Douglas reiterated that point, saying it is going to take everyone -- not just the coach and players -- to reach the team's goals.
"As a team, 1-6, obviously not where we want to be. We got a lot of work to do. Not just coaching, not just players, not just personnel. Everybody."
Here's what else Douglas addressed on Tuesday....
Douglas has spoke to Bell and Anderson, waiting to speak with Adams
With the trade deadline passing, Douglas made it a point to reach out to those involved in the public rumors. He has already spoken with Bell and Anderson, calling them "productive conversations." He didn't get to speak with Adams yet, but said he would definitely be reaching out.
For Adams specifically, he doesn't seem too happy that his name was out there after speaking his mind on social media following conversations with Douglas where he told him he wanted to remain a Jets.
However, Douglas said Adams is a critical piece of the team's future, and he'll remain that way.
"I mean, again, I want to reiterate we were not shopping any of those players talked about today. You guys see Jamal every day. He wears the C-patch for a reason."
On the Kelechi Osemele situation
The Osemele situation has been well-documented, and it came to an end when the Jets announced his release last week.
"Not an ideal situation for either party. For me, on a personal level, 2012 I had a chance to be with Kelechi, win a super bowl with Kelechi with the Baltimore Ravens. That was 2012. [In] 2019 ,we felt like this was the best decision for the organization and the team. We felt we did what was best for the team. As an organization, we respect and follow the league's processes and procedures. Just moving forward, we're not going to comment on the situation."
Video: Joe Douglas talks about Kelechi Osemele release
Douglas also added this: "The safety and well-being of all our players is paramount. It's always a top priority for us and we have a great staff. They work together and they make sure that care and safety happens for every player."
High praise for Sam Darnold
The term "untouchable" in regards to GMs and players is often thrown around, and it is one that Douglas believes in.
"...especially when you talk about franchise quarterbacks," he said.
Darnold has had a rough 2019 season thus far, but that doesn't deter Douglas' stance on him being the quarterback the Jets need for years to come.
"I think we have a young man who's 22 years old, just finished his 17th game in the National Football League, and I think we see the growth, we see the ups and downs. But we see a guy who's made of the right stuff, warrior mentality. We got to take care of him as an entire organization. Playmakers, protection, everything. We got to wrap our arms around him."
He also believes Gase is the right man to bring out the best of Darnold's abilities.
"I've seen Adam with young quarterbacks in Chicago. I know what he can do with young guys and veteran guys. I've seen that first hand."
Position hasn't wavered on Gase leading Jets
Speaking of Gase, a 1-6 start and weeks of dysfunction on the offensive side of the ball has made Jets fans worried that he might not be the right man to lead the team. Douglas, though, doesn't believe that to be the case.
"My stance on Adam hasn't changed. I think Adam is a great coach and a great communicator I think we all have to do a better job."