The New York Jets have made it clear over the past two weeks: they’re a quarterback away from being something more than just a middle-of-the-pack team. And now, with the 2025 season winding down and draft positioning starting to take shape, the idea of the Jets making a bold move up the board is gaining serious traction.
Right now, the Jets are projected to land around the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But if the losses keep piling up and the draft order shakes out just right, they could inch even closer to the top. And that’s where things get interesting.
A recent trade proposal making the rounds suggests the Jets could make a serious play for the No. 1 overall pick-currently projected to belong to the New York Giants. The suggested deal? The Jets would send the No. 5 pick, the No. 37 pick, a 2027 first-rounder, and a 2027 second-rounder to the Giants in exchange for the top selection.
That’s a hefty price tag. But when you’re talking about a potential franchise quarterback, the kind of player who can redefine your entire organization, that’s the kind of capital it takes.
The name at the center of this hypothetical blockbuster? Fernando Mendoza.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has been lighting it up this season, ranking fifth among FBS quarterbacks in Pro Football Focus grade (90.5) and leading the nation with 33 touchdown passes. He’s drawn comparisons to Jared Goff-a comp that carries some weight, especially considering several Jets coaches have worked with Goff during their time in Detroit.
They know what that kind of quarterback can do in the right system.
For the Jets, this is about more than just talent. It’s about fit, familiarity, and finally finding the long-term answer under center they’ve been chasing for years.
Mendoza has the poise, production, and pedigree to be that guy. And if the Jets believe he’s the one, then moving up from No. 5 to No. 1-even at the cost of multiple premium picks-starts to make a lot more sense.
But let’s not overlook the other side of the deal. Why would the Giants even consider helping their crosstown rival land a quarterback?
It’s a fair question. The idea of handing the Jets a potential franchise cornerstone might not sit well with fans-or with the front office, for that matter.
Still, there’s a compelling case to be made for the Giants. By moving down to No. 5, they’d still be in prime position to grab a top-tier prospect.
Add in a high second-rounder and two more premium picks in 2027, and suddenly you’re looking at a treasure chest of assets. If the Giants are thinking long-term-and if they’re not sold on Mendoza themselves-this kind of haul could set them up for years to come.
And let’s be honest: the Giants aren’t exactly one piece away. They’re in the middle of a rebuild, and while the No. 1 pick is a powerful tool, so is flexibility. With multiple early picks, they could address several needs and build a more complete roster.
There’s also the possibility that the 2027 first-rounder from the Jets ends up being another high pick. If Mendoza doesn’t pan out-or if the Jets’ supporting cast doesn’t take a leap-that future pick could be a valuable one. For a team like the Giants, who are trying to construct something sustainable, that future flexibility might outweigh the appeal of one quarterback, even a Heisman winner.
So here we are: two teams, one city, and a potential draft-day deal that could reshape the future of both franchises. It’s rare for the Giants and Jets to link up on anything major, let alone a trade of this magnitude. But if the stars align, and both sides see value in the move, don’t rule it out.
The Jets are hungry for a quarterback. The Giants might be open to stockpiling picks.
And Fernando Mendoza? He just might be the player who brings them to the negotiating table.