The Jets fired general manager Mike Maccagnan in a surprise move Wednesday, but the reasons are starting to come to light.
According to the New York Daily News , which cited unidentified sources, Jets coach and newly appointed interim general manager Adam Gase "absolutely did not want to sign Le’Veon Bell" to his lucrative contract.
The report added Gase "made it clear that he didn’t want to spend a lot of money on any running back."
The Jets signed Bell to a four-year contract worth $52.5 million, with $35 million guaranteed, making him the second-highest-paid rusher in the league behind only Todd Gurley.
NFL Media also noted that Gase admires Bell as a player but didn’t agree with the price tag that came with him. The same is true of linebacker C.J. Mosley, as Gase was unhappy about the massive five-year, $85 million contract that included $51 million guaranteed.
It had been reported that there was tension building between Gase and Maccagnan, which is presumed to have led to the general manager’s dismissal. Jets vice president of player personnel Brian Heimerdinger was also fired.
"I will start a search for our new General Manager immediately," Jets chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson said Wednesday in a statement.
ESPN reported Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas could be the next general manager, given his close relationship with Gase.