When the 2025 NFL season ended, Aaron Glenn’s New York Jets were expected to draft Oregon quarterback Dante Moore in the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, the quarterback ended up deciding not to declare for the draft when it became evident that the failing AFC franchise was likely to select him. The signal-caller chose a final season of college football over playing professionally for the Jets.
In the end, New York went with a defensive pick in 2026’s first round, selecting Texas Tech’s edge David Bailey with the second overall pick of the draft. However, the quarterback position remains an issue for the Jets going into 2026. It’s almost certain that they will draft a signal-caller in the remaining days of the NFL Draft, as their current depth chart leaves much to be desired.
Here’s the current QB depth chart for the Jets:
- QB1: Geno Smith
- QB2: Brady Cook
- QB3: Bailey Zappe
Smith is the only serious name here for a reliable starter in the NFL, but with a caveat. Yes, he had a rebound season in 2024 with the Seattle Seahawks, but 2025 was a disaster with the Raiders. He’s also at the end of his career.
Which QB could the New York Jets draft this year?
It’s been heavily reported that the New York Jets are interested in Alabama’s Ty Simpson. He had a respectable season as a starter with the Crimson Tide, earning Second Team All-SEC honors.
While the Jets also have a second first-round pick at No. 16, via a trade with the Colts, it’s unlikely they will pick Simpson in the first round. It’s much more likely they will select him on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, where they also have the picks No. 33 and 44. Another option in the second round is Miami’s Carson Beck, who is seen as a fringe first-rounder and could drop to the second day.
If they decide to leave things for later, they could pick Penn State’s Drew Allar or LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in rounds three or four. Nussmeier, in particular, could be a dark horse, as he was once seen as a first-round pick and a candidate for the Heisman Trophy. That is before a final disappointing season with the Tigers. However, the raw materials for a proper NFL quarterback are there.
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