The New York Jets are staring down the barrel of a quarterback conundrum, and it's arguably the most pressing issue for any NFL team this offseason. With the Jets holding the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the stakes are high. This year's draft class is headlined by Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, as Oregon's Dante Moore has opted to return to college for another season.
Now, could the Las Vegas Raiders be tempted to part with their No. 1 pick, opening the door for a potential blockbuster trade?
One intriguing trade scenario, suggested by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, involves the Jets sending their two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Raiders in exchange for the coveted No. 1 spot.
This move would effectively position the Jets to secure Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner and the most pro-ready quarterback in the 2026 class. The hope is that Mendoza could finally resolve the Jets' long-standing quarterback dilemma.
While it seems unlikely that Las Vegas would trade away their top pick, the pre-draft process is still unfolding. The Raiders might reassess after interviews and evaluations, potentially deciding that the extra draft capital outweighs the certainty of selecting Mendoza. They could opt to bolster their roster first and address their quarterback needs later.
For the Jets, this trade would be a major win. By sacrificing two first-round picks, they aim to solve their quarterback issues for the foreseeable future, while still retaining two second-round picks to strengthen their team further.
Historically, trades for the No. 1 pick demand heftier offers. For instance, the Carolina Panthers traded two firsts, two seconds, and star wide receiver D.J.
Moore to the Chicago Bears for the chance to draft Bryce Young in 2023. However, the No. 2 pick holds significant value on its own.
Despite the speculation, it's highly improbable that the Raiders will part with their No. 1 pick. Their quest for a franchise quarterback is as urgent as the Jets', and it's doubtful they want to rely on veteran Geno Smith for another season.
Reports from the Senior Bowl in January suggest that the Raiders are firm on keeping their pick. This leaves the Jets likely exploring veteran options in free agency or the trade market to address their quarterback needs.