Rod Graves previously served as general manager for the Cardinals.
Credit: Getty Images
Former Arizona general manager Rod Graves has been named the Jets’ new senior director of football administration, giving depth and experience to a front office that has gone through some tweaks under new general manager John Idzik.
Graves and his new boss worked together for a while in Arizona when Idzik was assistant general manager from 2001-04. Having been with the Cardinals organization since 1997, Graves was fired this past December after the Cardinals again missed the playoffs with a 5-11 record. The franchise has only made the playoffs twice since 1998 and has been a cumulative 18-30 the past three seasons.
Graves began his NFL front office career in 1984 as a scout with the Bears and will be an asset to an organization Idzik has promised will place a high priority on the NFL Draft. He also boasts an understanding of contract negotiations and salary cap issues from his time in Arizona.
In addition, the Jets made official the appointment of Matt Bazirgan as assistant director of pro personnel. Prior to this promotion, he was previously the West Coast scouting supervisor for the Jets in charge of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
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