The New York Jets find themselves in a pivotal position as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, holding the second overall pick. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders secured the top spot, and both teams are in the market for a franchise quarterback. The spotlight is on Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, the standout QB expected to go first overall.
Jets General Manager Darren Mougey made a move to explore the possibility of trading up for that coveted first pick. He reached out to Raiders GM John Spytek, but as Mougey candidly shared, the discussions didn’t lead anywhere promising.
In a recent update, Zack Rosenblatt from The Athletic reported on Mougey’s efforts. When asked about the potential trade with the Raiders, Mougey couldn’t help but smile, stating, "I don't think that's happening." This lighthearted response underscores the reality that the Jets’ chances of moving up to snag Mendoza are slim.
The Jets are clearly eyeing Mendoza as their quarterback of the future. However, acquiring the first overall pick would likely require a hefty package, potentially involving multiple first-round selections. Despite the allure of landing the draft’s top QB, Mougey’s remarks indicate that the Raiders are not inclined to part with their pick.
While the Jets’ need for a quarterback is pressing, and the idea of trading up was certainly on the table, the door seems to be closed for now. Mougey’s good-natured acknowledgment of the situation highlights the uphill battle the Jets face in their quest to secure a top-tier quarterback this offseason.