FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas, who hasn't talked to the media since late August, will make a statement by Tuesday -- whether he actually opens his mouth or not.
Tuesday is the NFL trade deadline, and the Jets will be one of the teams to watch. Yes, they are working the phones. Their playoff hopes are shot at 1-5, so it behooves Douglas to start building for 2020. He can do that by trading defensive lineman Leonard Williams for future draft capital.
Will the first-year GM make the Jets a seller like the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos, fellow also-rans, or will he give coach Adam Gase a chance to squeeze something out of the current roster?
The smart play: If he can find a fair deal, or deals -- sell. Any player not part of the long-term plan -- that includes those with bad contracts and pending free agents -- should be on the "movable" list. They have eight draft picks in 2020, but only one in each of the first five rounds. The best way to re-stock the roster, which is talent deficient in so many areas, is through the draft -- and Douglas is lacking ammo.
"I think Joe is always going to be looking to do what is best for the organization and best for the team," Gase said. "I can't say one way or the other. I think it'll be one of those things where if something comes up, I'm sure those guys will look hard at it."
Douglas made preseason and early-season trades for wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, cornerback Nate Hairston and guard Alex Lewis, so we know he's not shy about pulling the trigger. But the trading deadline is a different animal, because those deals usually send a message.
Williams, drafted No. 6 in 2015, is drawing the most interest. He frustrates the fan base because of his low production (two sacks in the past 17 games), but the coaches see a player who draws double teams and does the dirty work. New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick called him "one of the better tackles we go against." Williams could help a contender because he's versatile and can play all three downs. It would be a two-month rental, though, because he's in the final year of his contract.
The Jets should do it if they can find a team willing to pony up third- and fifth-round picks, which is what the Jacksonville Jaguars got last year when they traded underachieving defensive lineman Dante Fowler to the Los Angeles Rams in a deadline deal. Failing a trade, the Jets could lose Williams in the offseason and have to wait for a 2021 compensatory pick. Right now, they can absorb the loss because they have promising young defensive linemen in Quinnen Williams and Kyle Phillips. So, yes, there's a chance a trade could happen.
Williams said he hasn't discussed his future with the front office, but he told ESPN he prefers to stay with the Jets. At the same time, he's trying to keep his emotions in check because he knows it's a business.
"What's cool about it is, it's not this or the streets," he said. "Either I'm playing for the Jets or I'm playing somewhere. At the end of the day, I'm still going to be playing. I feel like I have a lot of years left in me in my career."
Other players to watch:
Robby Anderson, wide receiver: Anderson, also due to become an unrestricted free agent, is off to a slow start because of the moving parts at quarterback, but he'd likely fetch at least a third-round pick because he's young, fast and improving as a route runner. Make no mistake, he will draw interest because he can change the game if used properly. Frankly, it would be a mistake to trade him because it would stunt Sam Darnold's growth. Anderson is the Darnold's only deep threat. Let them grow together for another two months, and then decide if he's worth a long-term investment.
Trumaine Johnson, cornerback: File this under "bad contract." The underachieving Johnson still is owed a guaranteed $4.7 million in 2019 base salary and his 2020 salary ($11 million) becomes fully guaranteed in March. So, yes, it will be difficult to find a taker. If a cornerback-starved team comes knocking, the Jets might have to do an NBA-type deal and pick up some of his salary. Still, it would be a surprise if it happens. Even though they'd love to clear his salary from the books, the Jets are thin at corner and need the bodies. Besides, does anybody want a corner ranked 93rd out of 115 by Pro Football Focus?
Jordan Jenkins, linebacker: He's a keeper; it would be a mistake to trade one of your best young defensive players. If anything, they should sign him to a contract extension, as he's eligible to hit the open market after the season. Jenkins is an underrated pass-rusher (6.5 sacks in his past 12 games) who fits the culture they're trying to create.
Le'Veon Bell, running back: In all likelihood, he's not going anywhere because the Jets have poured more than $12 million into him, but that doesn't mean they won't get a call or two. He still has $14.7 million in guarantees through 2020, but that might be palatable for a contender looking for that missing piece. Cap-wise, it wouldn't be crushing to deal him, but it would signal a total fire sale if they move their most accomplished offensive player. It would make life harder for Darnold, and that's why it would be counterproductive.