Since it was learned Dante Moore would be staying in college for the 2026 season, the Jets’ quarterback approach for the upcoming draft has been a question mark. New York owns two first-round selections, but it remains to be seen if strong consideration will be given to using one of them on Ty Simpson.
The one-year Alabama starter has drawn a wide range of opinions regarding his draft stock, but interest has been shown by a number of teams. That includes the Jets, as illustrated by the workout Simpson recently conducted with the them. At this point, though, it may come as a surprise if Simpson were to wind up in New York.
During his latest appearance on Jets Final Drive, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic predicted the Jets will not select Simpson given the risk involved with doing so. New York could elect to wait until next year’s draft to identify a long-term starter. That is an approach expected of other teams as well with next year’s class held in much higher regard than this year’s. As such, a veteran backup to trade acquisition Geno Smith will be a strong possibility.
On that note, SNY’s Connor Hughes confirms (video link) the Jets’ preference was to sign Carson Wentz in free agency. Doing so would have reunited him with new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, but Wentz wound up remaining in place with the Vikings. The list of remaining free agents has been thinned out since the new league year began, but there are still a few veteran passers on the market.
Of those, Hughes names Cooper Rush as one to watch closely. The longtime Cowboys backup joined the Ravens on a two-year deal last spring, but things did not go according to plan during his time in the lineup. Rush was expectedly released in March, and he has not previously been linked to any suitors. The 32-year-old has made 16 starts and 42 appearances in his career, and he would be familiar with a backup gig in the event he signed on to be New York’s QB2.
Hughes adds that Tyrod Taylor is still well-liked in the Jets’ building. Another deal for the Jets’ 2024 and ’25 backup will be something to watch for as a result. Taylor, 36, made four starts last season following Justin Fields‘ benching; he has totaled 62 in his career. A low-cost contract allowing him to remain in the QB2 role would give New York a bridge tandem under center in advance of the 2027 draft.
Smith is in position to start for the Jets, something which was the case for his first two years in the NFL. How the team approaches the quarterback position over the coming weeks will be something to watch for, with a stopgap veteran seeming to be more likely than a high-profile draft investment at this point.
Only way Jets would draft Simpson in the first is
1. They traded back into the 1st round from 33
2. They trade back from 16 into the mid late 20s while acquiring more draft picks
Might as well wait to see if he falls to the 2nd round which Jets the first pick.
Imagine wanting Cooper Rush….unironically.
More like having Rush fall into your lap … he did work wonders for Dallas when Dak was out injured.
Simpson’s lack of experience really complicates his draft stock.
He needs to go in the first so the drafting team will secure his 5th year option. He is so green he will need more development than a typical first round QB.
But on the other hand he can’t go early in the first because he is not day 1 ready.
So you’re looking at end of the first, but now, likely one of the 3-4 QB-desperate teams needs to trade up from their 2nd rounder.
Profile is hard to gauge. I know he will be a first rounder but it could be anywhere between pick 16 and 32.
If you’re a GM, and you like the guy, then you draft the guy. If you’re a GM, and think the guy can be a franchise quarterback in the making, then you draft the franchise quarterback in the making.