Jets likely to target George Paton of the Vikings to be their GM again
By Adam Carlson
The New York Jets have wanted to George Paton of the Minnesota Vikings as general manager two times and it is likely that he will turn them down again.
The Minnesota Vikings have been really handing it to the Jets lately. Not only did they take Kirk Cousins away from the team, entice Jeff Badet to stay in purple and gold, and convince Anthony Barr to sign an extension instead of leave in free agency, but there is front office spurning as well.
The Jets have been trying to get George Paton to be their general manager for several years now, asking him to interview for the position only to turn them down twice to stay as the assistant GM and Vice President of Player Personnel in Minnesota.
According to Pro Football Talk, Paton declined to interview with New York in 2013 and 2015, when the Jets ended up hiring John Idzik and Mike Maccagnan, respectively. It’s likely they will try to coax Paton away again, despite his 12-year tenure in the Vikings staff. Now, the Jets have another opening after firing Mike Maccagnan
The Jets should cast as wide of a net as possible, and that would include a man they have attempted to get twice. However, PFT also shared a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport on Twitter from a few days ago that New York has already added Paton to their list of potential candidates.
It shows a lot of loyalty to Minnesota that Paton has declined interviews from other organizations in the past to stay with Rick Spielman and the team. His successes scouting collegiate players has led to the team drafting some great players and kept the Vikings competitive for several years. His long-term work relationship with Rick Spielman has been a major factor in the team’s success in personnel as well.
Trending. The biggest question at each position for the Vikings. light
The biggest question is whether or not George Paton will want to leave his relationship with Rick Spielman behind to become a general manager on his own or if he is comfortable enough in his position to stay with the Minnesota Vikings and turn down the interview.
If history is any indicator, odds are that the Vikings will end up keeping Paton once again…and frustrating the Jets even more.