The New York Jets may have solved part of their quarterback picture by bringing in Geno Smith, but the long-term answer at the position remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the franchise. That is why Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson continues to gain traction as a possible draft target for New York.
Why the Jets Could Land Ty Simpson as Their Long-Term QB Answer
With two picks inside the top 16 and extra early-round flexibility, the Jets are in a position to address both immediate roster needs and future upside. Simpson is viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the class. If that scenario plays out, he could arrive in New York as a developmental option with a legitimate path to becoming the franchise’s future starter.
In his latest mock draft, PFSN analyst Jacob Infante connected Simpson to New York in the second round, pointing to both the player’s tools and the team’s draft flexibility. The idea reflects a broader belief that while the Jets may not force a signal-caller at the very top of the board, they still need to invest in the position early.
“Ty Simpson is only a one-year starter in college, but he’s pretty advanced given his limited playing time. He identifies soft spots in zone coverage well and exploits them accordingly,” Infante wrote.
“He does a good job of finding the open man, and he’s an accurate thrower of the football. The Jets have an abundance of draft capital in the early rounds and a big need at quarterback, so using a second-round pick on a player like Simpson could be worth a shot,” Infante added.
That evaluation aligns with the Jets’ apparent interest. After Alabama’s pro day on March 25, Simpson remained in Tuscaloosa for a private workout with New York. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Frank Reich were both reportedly interested in the Alabama star, a notable sign that the franchise is seriously evaluating him.
Simpson also addressed his draft outlook after throwing at pro day, making it clear he is focused more on fit and opportunity than on where exactly he is selected.
“I feel like I’ve done everything I can, but it’s not up to me. I’m just know that wherever I go, I’m gonna give it my all and make sure I’ll put my best foot forward,” Simpson said, via The Tuscaloosa News.
Why the Jets’ Offensive Struggles Make a QB Investment Hard to Ignore
The bigger reason this connection continues to make sense is the state of New York’s offense. According to PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, the Jets finished 3-14 and posted a 58.7 OFFi, which ranked 29th. Their overall season grade came in at F, underscoring just how much work remains on the offensive side of the ball.
Altogether, the metrics paint the picture of a roster that still needs major offensive improvement if it wants to become competitive again.
The Jets hold the No. 2 and No. 16 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them enough ammunition to attack the quarterback position in multiple ways. While Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to come off the board first among quarterbacks, Simpson has firmly entered the next tier of passers under consideration.
On the PFSN Consensus Big Board, Simpson carries a grade of 84.22, ranks No. 43 overall, and is viewed as a potential first-round selection, but it will still be worth watching whether Simpson’s rising stock pushes him further up boards before draft night.
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“I get it, there’s going to be a lot of questions around my name,” Simpson stated. “I know what I’m capable of, and I know whoever gets me is going to get a good player and a guy who loves football and a guy who loves the team and loves being a part of something bigger than himself.”
With the Jets still trying to stabilize the future of their offense, Simpson may be exactly the kind of quarterback gamble they need to take.
