New York Jets draft room (Photo via @AriMeirov Twitter)
The Minnesota Vikings traded the No. 11, No. 129 and No. 157 picks to the New York Jets to move up into the No. 10 spot. With that pick, the Vikings got their man and selected Michigan Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Considering the Jets were never going to take a quarterback at No. 10, the trade was a big win for GM Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh. So it’s no wonder that they were laughing at Minnesota in the draft room once Douglas closed the deal, as you can see in this recently released video footage.
After the trade is announced in the New York draft room, Saleh is heard saying “Free money,” with a laugh. Following the Jets’ selection of Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11, Douglas, Saleh and other staffers ecstatically exchange handshakes and hugs.
The Vikings were widely mentioned as the No. 1 team that wanted McCarthy. Many believed they’d have to trade up into the top-four to get him, but it only took them one spot to move up for the Michigan legend.
The New York Jets Have Aced The Offseason
New York had three primary offseason goals, and Douglas has accomplished all of them without issue.
His main task was rebuilding the offensive line, and he brought in three new starters in Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses and John Simpson. Fashanu might not be a starter as a rookie, but he at least provides valuable depth that New York lacked in 2023.
Douglas’ second goal was to bring in a suitable backup for Aaron Rodgers, and he did that by signing reliable veteran Tyrod Taylor. And finally, he bolstered Rodgers’ supporting cast by signing former Los Angeles Chargers star wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year deal.
