GM search: The field of candidates expands

After yesterday's report that the Jets have requested interviews with Joe Douglas and Champ Kelly for their vacant general manager role, two more names were revealed today:

The #Jets have added two more names to their GM request list: #Vikings assistant GM George Paton and #Seahawks Co-Director of Player Personnel Scott Fitterer were requested, source said. They join Joe Douglas (#Eagles) and Champ Kelly (#Bears) on NYJ’s list so far.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 26, 2019

Fitterer already interviewed for the general manager job back in 2015 when the Jets hired Mike Maccagnan. Paton - who is apparently a candidate the organization has had interest in for some time - would have as well, but he turned down the opportunity.

Unlike the first two candidates, neither of these candidates has any link to Adam Gase. Paton, the Vikings' assistant general manager, has been in Minnesota since 2006. Fitterer has been in Seattle since 2001 with most of his experience being in college scouting.

Of course, the Jets once factored the Seahawks excellent drafting into their decision to hire John Idzik. Perhaps they've now decided that Fitterer played more of a role in that. As for Paton, he has a background in both college and pro scouting, so might have the more rounded profile.

It will arguably speak volumes about the power structure within the organization if the Jets opt to go with one of these apparent organizational choices over a "Gase Guy".