The New York Jets are in a quarterback conundrum this offseason. With Justin Fields not panning out, Tyrod Taylor likely on his way out, and Brady Cook struggling as a rookie, the Jets are on the hunt for a fresh face under center.
While exploring top free agents or trade targets is an option, the Jets ideally want to draft a rookie quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft to build their future around. However, with Fernando Mendoza standing as the sole first-round caliber QB, the Jets are facing a tough situation.
The dream scenario? Trading up with the Las Vegas Raiders to secure their quarterback of the future. But as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler discovered through conversations with scouts and NFL executives, the odds aren’t in the Jets’ favor.
Fowler consulted eight NFL insiders about the Raiders' intentions with the first overall pick. The consensus was clear: the Raiders are not budging. "There's zero chance the Raiders move out of the top spot and pass on drafting the QB out of Indiana," Fowler reports.
Even with a tantalizing offer, like two additional first-round picks alongside the second overall, the Jets’ hopes of swaying the Raiders appear dim. The unanimous 8-0 vote from executives and scouts underscores the unlikelihood of a trade.
An AFC executive summed it up succinctly: "Never say never, but never." It seems the Jets, along with any other NFL team, won't be able to pry that coveted pick away.
With Fowler noting the "zero chance" of the Raiders relinquishing their pick, the Jets must pivot to alternative strategies. Whether that means pursuing a trade, signing a free agent, or targeting a quarterback like Ty Simpson later in the draft, the Jets need a plan that doesn’t hinge on landing Mendoza.
This update from Fowler cements what many suspected: the Jets will have to look beyond Mendoza, regardless of the offer they might present to the Raiders.