The New York Jets are back in quarterback limbo. After the Justin Fields experiment fizzled in 2025, there was hope on the horizon when they locked up the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But that optimism took a hit when Oregon’s Dante Moore-widely expected to declare-announced he’s returning to school after leading the Ducks to the College Football Playoff semifinals. That decision sent a ripple through the Jets’ front office, and now, the options under center are looking thin.
With Moore off the board, the next tier of quarterback prospects doesn't offer the same kind of upside. Fernando Mendoza is a name that’s surfaced, but beyond him, the drop-off in talent is hard to ignore. And for a team that’s desperate for stability at the most important position in football, settling for a developmental project might not be the answer.
That’s where the veteran market comes in-and according to recent speculation, the Jets could be eyeing a bold move. One potential solution? Tua Tagovailoa.
A recent prediction has the Jets swinging a deal with the Miami Dolphins to acquire the left-handed quarterback, along with a 2027 second-round pick and some salary relief. In return, the Dolphins would receive a 2027 fifth-round pick. On paper, it’s a low-risk, high-upside move for a Jets team that needs a steady hand and a proven starter.
Tagovailoa’s 2025 campaign was a mixed bag. He started 14 games for Miami before being benched late in the season in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers.
His final stat line: 260 completions on 384 attempts, 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Not exactly the kind of production that quiets critics-especially after a promising 2023 season that now feels like a distant memory.
The concerns around Tua are real. His decision-making has come under fire, and his growth as a quarterback seems to have stalled. But for the Jets, who’ve cycled through quarterbacks like a turnstile in recent years, Tagovailoa could offer something they haven’t had in a while: a legitimate starter with playoff experience and a high football IQ.
It’s also worth noting that the Dolphins are heading into 2026 with a new head coach, and that change could signal a fresh start at quarterback as well. If Tagovailoa is no longer in their long-term plans, moving him now-and recouping draft capital in the process-makes sense.
For the Jets, the potential deal is less about chasing a superstar and more about finding competence and consistency. With a strong defense already in place and playmakers on offense, they don’t need a savior-they need someone who can steer the ship. Tua, despite his flaws, might just be that guy.
The quarterback carousel in New York keeps spinning, but if this move comes to pass, the Jets might finally be able to step off and start building something stable.