The Joe Douglas Watch Continues

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) — Will he or won't he?

The Joe Douglas watch continues as the Eagles vice president of player personnel continues to be painted as the favorite to be the next general manager of the New York Jets.

What looked a fait accompli at one point, however, has turned far murkier as compensation seems to be a sticking point from the Jets' perspective, perhaps both from a salary standpoint and budget perspective.

A report from FOXSports even indicated that Douglas had balked at the Jets' offer "right now," although that could simply be a negotiating ploy from agent Jimmy Sexton, who reps both Douglas and Adam Gase and obviously has the intell on the Jets coach's preferred choice for the position.

Others believed to be in the mix for the job are Scott Fitterer, the Seattle Seahawks co-director of player personnel, and Champ Kelly, the Chicago Bears assistant director of player personnel. Terry Fontenot, the New Orleans Saints director of pro scouting, was also interviewed for the job but he appears to be out of the running.

Earlier this week the Jets followed up with all four candidates, according to a league source, and began mapping out the logistics for a hire, including salary as well as the plan for support staff and the budget that would encompass.

The FOX report indicating Douglas' camp and the Jets were less than seven figures apart is accurate but there are conflicting narratives on whether that money would be for Douglas' salary or the salary of his projected staff.

Either way, when the wrangling turned into anything but a slam dunk, the Jets began floating the idea that Douglas was not the only option, a clear indication they were preparing the fan base for a potential Plan B.

Despite all of that SNY.TV still described Douglas as the prohibitive favorite for the job on Thursday afternoon.

In Philadelphia, meanwhile, it was business as usual for Douglas, who attended both Eagles OTA practices that were open to the media this week.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen