The Jets have their 2026 starting quarterback in the form of Geno Smith. His return to New York came about via trade, the same route taken to move on from Justin Fields. 
Another veteran could be added this offseason. Tyrod Taylor remains unsigned at this time, and most free agents have lined up a new arrangement by this point in the new league year. That could leave the Jets to focus on the upcoming draft with respect to a depth QB addition.
Like all teams, New York is in the early stages of hosting prospects on top 30 visits. Several Penn State players visited the Jets recently, Connor Hughes of SNY reports. Among them was quarterback Drew Allar. That will no doubt prove to be one of many private workouts Allar participates in during the build-up to the draft.
An October ankle injury brought an abrupt end to Allar’s senior season. His performances up to that point had left plenty to be desired, something which wound up being true in 2025 of many signal-callers. Allar totaled 49 touchdowns and 10 interceptions across the 2023 and ’24 seasons, leading to high expectations for this past campaign. Before the injury, he posted a completion percentage of 64.8% along with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 8:3.
The Jets own two first-round picks in this year’s draft. New York will not be able to select Fernando Mendoza provided the Raiders take the expected route of drafting the Heisman winner first overall. Whether or not another quarterback is taken on Day 1 remains a question at this point, although Ty Simpson and Cole Payton are considered the top QB2 candidates. Allar, like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Miami’s Carson Beck, will enter the NFL with plenty of experience but a tempered outlook with respect to his ceiling at the pro level.
New York also has a pair of second-round selections in 2026 along with five Day 3 picks. Using one of those on a developmental option would come as no surprise. Based on how the team’s evaluation process plays out over the coming weeks, Allar could be among the quarterback prospects receiving consideration.