FLORHAM PARK, N.J. Joe Douglas guarded the New York Jets checkbook last season a lot better than his rebuilt offensive line protected the quarterback.
The general manager finished his first full year on the job with nearly $27 million in unused salary-cap dollars, the second-highest total in the NFL money rolled into the 2021 cap. That was part of the plan. Instead of spending lavishly on a mediocre free-agent class, Douglas decided to save for a rainy day.
Well, the green and white umbrellas are out. Actually, they have been out for several months.
Coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history, a 2-14 disaster, Douglas is gearing up for his second foray into NFL free agency. Last year s free-agency returns were lackluster, increasing the pressure on the popular GM to repair the roster ASAP. His political cover is gone (see: coach Adam Gase, fired) and the honeymoon is over.
New York Jets GM has money to spend, a team to build, a score to settle espn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from espn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.