New York Jets’ search for their franchise QB intensifies after latest NFL Draft intel reveals their top target
The Jets are making it obvious that they will likely take one top QB prospect in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The New York Jets are under a month away from the start of a critical 2026 NFL Draft, and they have plenty of ammo to work with.
It’s already been an eventful offseason, with many roster changes, including the trades for DT T’Vondre Sweat and Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. They also attacked free agency and added quality players in CB Nashon Wright and reunited with QB Geno Smith.
We can all agree that Smith isn’t the Jets’ long-term answer at QB, but their solution is likely in the NFL Draft, and they’re making it very obvious who they like.
The New York Jets are showing serious interest in QB Ty Simpson
The Jets traded Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs, and now they need to swing for their young franchise QB again. They were on hand for Alabama’s Pro Day on Wednesday, where QB Ty Simpson showed his arm to all 32 teams in attendance. Simpson came into the draft process with a point to prove, and he didn’t disappoint; the Jets took notice.
The Jets are so impressed with Simpson that they’re having dinner in Tuscaloosa with the first-round hopeful with GM Darren Mougey, HC Aaron Glenn, OC Frank Reich, and QB coach Bill Musgrave on hand. Then, they’re hitting the field again for a private workout with Simpson to see his arm up close one more time, and connect with him one-on-one.
The Jets need to draft Ty Simpson if he falls to where they’re hoping
Smith is only under contract for the 2026 season, and Simpson could sit behind him until the Jets believe he’s ready to take over, which could be before the season even ends. None of that can happen if the Jets don’t draft him, however. The Jets are slated to have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, starting with the No. 2 overall pick, and then at No. 16 overall.
It’s very unlikely they take Simpson at No. 2 overall, so they need to hope he falls to No. 16 overall for them to have a chance. The only team they need to worry about is the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13 overall, in case they want Matthew Stafford’s successor. Simpson has gained a lot of steam over the last few weeks, and he’s quickly becoming a first-round lock, with the Jets leading the way.
The Jets absolutely can’t afford to waste the picks they acquired by trading Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, and even more so, missing on another potential franchise QB. They’re doing all they can to do their homework on Simpson, and it’s looking like he is the massive favorite with the No. 16 overall pick for the Jets.