Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton has turned down the Jets’ request to interview for the team’s open general manager job. This is the third time Paton has declined an interview in New York, with the Jets requesting to speak with him in 2013 and 2015 as well.

Paton, who has been with the Vikings for 12 years, has been turning down GM opportunities around the league for years, including in San Francisco and Indianapolis. He seems to be carefully waiting for the right spot to open up before he takes a promotion and all the responsibilities that come with the role.

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Paton began his NFL career in the Bears’ scouting department and eventually became the team’s assistant director of pro personnel in 2000. From there, he hopped to the Dolphins, where he was the director of pro personnel from 2001-06. He’s been with the Vikings ever since, working hand in hand with Rick Spielman. Paton became the team’s assistant GM when Spielman was promoted to GM in 2012.

Seahawks co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer is set to start the interview process for the Jets with Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas and Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly also scheduled to speak to the team. Saints director of pro scouting Terry Fontenot has also been mentioned as a candidate, but, as of now, no interview has been scheduled with him.

The Eagles' Joe Douglas still appears to the be favorite for the job. Douglas will interview with the team this weekend.