Recently hired New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas has made his first move. The Jets claimed cornerback Montrel Meander off waivers overnight, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Oakland Raiders had cut Meander a couple of days ago.
As Rapoport reports, the Jets apparently had competition for Meander's services. The Browns apparently put a claim in for Meander as well, but the Jets had first priority because of their inferior 2018 record. That's interesting, because Meander used to be on Cleveland's roster.
Last night, in the first transaction for #Jets GM Joe Douglas, they claimed Montrel Meander. Source said they aren’t alone, as the #Browns also tried to claim the former #Raiders CB.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2019
The Jets might've claimed Meander because of his connection to defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Meander spent most of last season on the Browns' practice squad, when Williams was the DC in Cleveland. Williams apparently liked what he saw, and probably put in a good word with the new front office.
Meander was eventually cut loose by the Browns, and signed with the Raiders toward the end of last season. He was briefly on their active roster, but didn't appear in a game. While being cut by Oakland this early in the offseason isn't a great sign, it's good to see there were multiple teams interested, and that the Browns wanted him back.
Meander initially played his college ball at Texas, but didn't last long with the Longhorns. He transferred to Grambling State, and entered the NFL from there.
This isn't exactly the splashiest move for Douglas' first acquisition, but it didn't need to be.
Douglas will really have the chance to make his mark felt during next year's draft and free agency.
Follow Us
Subscribe