While the New York Jets may not need an immediate solution at quarterback going into this year’s NFL Draft, they are still doing their homework. Despite trading for Geno Smith, a quarterback the Jets drafted themselves in the second round of the 2013 draft, he will not be the long-term solution at signal-caller in New York.
It’s not a matter of “if” the Jets draft a quarterback; it’s “when.” “When” could be as soon as this year’s draft with one of the top prospects they are in contact with.
Why the Jets Are Heavily Scouting Quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft
With the Las Vegas Raiders almost certainly picking quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the New York Jets know exactly what their options are with the second pick.
They also own the 16th pick later in the round. According to ESPN staff writer Rich Cimini, they are “leaving no stone unturned” when looking at quarterbacks for either pick.
“Most of the attention focused on Alabama’s Ty Simpson, widely considered the No. 2 quarterback prospect. Simpson spent time in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Thursday night (dinner) and Friday morning (private workout) with the Jets’ top decision-makers (general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn) and resident QB gurus (offensive coordinator Frank Reich and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave).”
The Jets have done their due diligence in checking in on prospect Ty Simpson and how he might help bring back the competitive nature in New York.
Decision-makers for the Jets have also had a private workout with Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, a dinner with Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck, and have reportedly had a visit scheduled with LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier this past week.
Cimini adds, “They’re checking into lesser-known prospects as well, including UConn’s Joe Fagnano, a potential Day 3 pick who threw 28 touchdown passes and only one interception last season.”
The Jets are flush with premier draft capital, holding onto two first-round picks in this year’s draft and three for next year’s. Next year’s quarterback class is expected to have substantially more talent than the class coming out this season. But their need for a quarterback remains.
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The 16th overall pick could be too soon to take Simpson, as he may be available at a later round. Plus, the Jets have needs across the board, not just at quarterback.
PFSN has the most need for wide receivers and edge rushers, along with a quarterback. It may be best for the Jets to look at another position of need early in the draft and return to assessing their quarterback needs on Day 2 or 3.
