It’s no secret that the New York Jets need a quarterback of the future.
But picking second overall in the 2026 NFL draft, there likely won’t be a passer worthy of spending that high of a pick on — especially if Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza goes first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
New York did acquire Geno Smith from the Raiders to be the team’s starter, but it’s obvious Smith is just a stopgap for the team while it finds its franchise QB.
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski is among the many NFL analysts who believe the Jets will find that signal-caller in the draft.
“The New York Jets have massive amounts of draft capital, which they should use to find their franchise quarterback,” Sobleski stated. “… As it currently stands, the Jets own four of this year’s top 44 picks, as well as two extra first-round selections in the 2027 class. The ammunition is available to do something this year and create a lasting impact in hopes of an organizational turnaround.”
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Sobleski hinted the Jets could grab Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with their first pick and Clemson cornerback Aveion Terrell with their second first-rounder, opening the door for the team to make a major trade and end up with a third first-round pick, which he thinks they will use on Alabama QB Ty Simpson.
“At that point, the Jets should get aggressive and be the team to make a run at Ty Simpson,” Sobleksi continued. “Some may argue he could realistically be available at the top of the second round, which is a possibility. However, it’s better to ensure the acquisition of a preferred quarterback, particularly when another team or two could be in play for his services.
“… The Jets are in a much stronger spot regarding the flexibility to move back into the first and secure Simpson’s services. … Simpson landing in New York without the need to immediately run the team, get his footing and eventually take over the offense may be the ideal setting for the one-year collegiate starter.”
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Simpson has been gaining steam in recent weeks, and it’s possible he could be gone when the Jets are on the clock with their second first-round pick (No. 16 overall). It’s also possible he’s still on the board at 16 and the team doesn’t want to gamble in losing him and picks him there as well.
Either way, no team has been linked to Simpson more over the last two weeks — and if that many people are talking about it, there may just be some smoke there.