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Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson speaking to the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.
The New York Jets have met with one of the best quarterbacks available in the 2026 NFL draft.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson confirmed that when speaking to the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.
“I really, really love the Jets,” Simpson said.
“It was great,” Simpson responded to how his meeting went with the Jets in Indianapolis. “You know, just talking ball [and] getting to know each other. Coach [Frank] Reich is a great, great human being. Coach [Aaron] Glenn is a super juiceful guy. You know, installing some stuff and getting to know each other, and you know, just getting on the board is what I like … Really blessed to be able to have a meeting with them. If I have an opportunity to play in New York, like I said, they’re going to get the best Ty Simpson they can get.”
The Desperate Search to Find a Franchise Quarterback
It has been a long time since the Jets have had a franchise quarterback. Simpson believes he is that type of player.
“First off, I think I’m ready, I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson said via ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. “Alabama prepares you the most for the NFL … The Alabama locker room is as close to an NFL locker room as you can get.”
ESPN senior NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr has Simpson ranked as the 25th best overall player and the second best QB on his big board.
“His lack of experience might be a concern, as Simpson didn’t start a game until last season, but the production is hard to ignore. Simpson knows the game and competes on every down. He’s a battler who is always trying to make a play — sometimes to his detriment. And Simpson maneuvers well in the pocket and can beat defenses with his legs when the passing play isn’t there,” Kiper wrote.
How Badly Do the Jets Want Simpson?
Simpson is the No. 2 consensus QB in this draft class. That doesn’t mean he will go in the first round.
In Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft for the NFL media group, Simpson was not one of the top 32 picks.
If the Jets are interested in Simpson, this scenario would be great news. Gang Green holds the No. 33 overall pick, which is the first pick of the second round.
Analyst Joe Caporoso of “Badlands” said he’d take Simpson if he were still available at the top of day two.
It’s a complicated process for the Jets. The 2027 NFL draft class appears to be much stronger at the QB position compared to 2026. However, the Jets’ biggest need is at quarterback. So what do you do right now?
If you like Simpson, can you afford to wait until pick No. 16? Even pick No. 33? Last year, the New York Giants pulled off a masterclass in manipulating the board.
With the No. 3 overall pick, they selected Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, who was considered one of the top players in the class. Then they traded back into round one to acquire the QB of their dreams in Jaxson Dart.
That strategy takes a lot of testicular fortitude to pull off. When it works, you look like a genius. When it doesn’t work, you get blasted for trying to get too cute, and you end up missing on your QB.
Paul Esden Jr. covers the New York Jets for Heavy.com. A New York native, he co-hosts a morning show, “The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital.” Before joining Heavy in 2021, Esden Jr. covered both national and New York sports for FanSided, Elite Sports NY, and The Score 1260. More about Paul Esden Jr.
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