The New York Jets have made a major move to reshape their franchise, agreeing to terms with Darren Mougey as their new General Manager. Mougey, previously the Denver Broncos’ assistant general manager, brings years of experience to a Jets team eager to end its long-standing playoff drought.
Who Is Darren Mougey?
Darren Mougey, 39, has been a key figure in the Broncos’ front office, serving as George Paton’s top assistant over the past three seasons. His career in Denver began in 2012 as a scouting intern, and he climbed the ranks to become the Director of Player Personnel in 2021 before being promoted to Assistant GM.
A former backup quarterback at San Diego State, Mougey’s football background and sharp eye for talent have earned him respect across the league. He beat out 14 other candidates for the Jets’ GM role after an extensive interview process.
A New Leadership Duo
Mougey joins newly hired head coach Aaron Glenn, a former Jets player, to lead the franchise’s rebuild. Together, they’ll aim to turn around a team that hasn’t reached the playoffs in 14 seasons — the longest active drought in the NFL.
Their immediate tasks include evaluating key roster decisions, starting with:
- Aaron Rodgers’ Future: The four-time MVP quarterback has one year of non-guaranteed money left on his contract, along with a $35 million option bonus. The Jets must decide whether to bring him back, release him, or manage a costly dead-money charge if he retires.
- Davante Adams’ Contract: Wide receiver Davante Adams is set to earn $35.64 million annually over the next two years. Mougey may look to restructure Adams’ deal or consider releasing him.
- Free Agency Decisions: The Jets have several critical players hitting free agency, including linebacker Jamien Sherwood, cornerback D.J. Reed, and tight end Tyler Conklin. Retaining key talent will be crucial for the team’s success.
- Extensions for Young Stars: Players like cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and running back Breece Hall are all eligible for contract extensions, and locking them up long-term will be a priority.
The Challenges Ahead
The Jets finished the 2024 season with a disappointing 5-12 record, leaving plenty of room for improvement. Mougey’s leadership will be critical in:
- Rebuilding a competitive roster through smart draft picks and free-agent signings.
- Managing the team’s salary cap, which includes navigating potential dead-money scenarios.
- Collaborating with Aaron Glenn to establish a winning culture.
A Long Search Concludes
The Jets’ search for a new GM began in November when owner Woody Johnson enlisted The 33rd Team, a consulting group founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum. Darren Mougey emerged as the top choice after a thorough vetting process.
Other finalists included Washington assistant GM Lance Newmark and Cincinnati executive Trey Brown. Mougey ultimately won the job due to his strong track record of player evaluation and front-office leadership.
The hiring of Darren Mougey signals a fresh start for the New York Jets as they look to rebuild and compete for a playoff spot. With significant decisions looming, including the futures of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, Mougey and Glenn face a tough but exciting challenge. Jets fans can only hope this new leadership duo will finally deliver the success they’ve been waiting for.
