For the better part of two decades, the New York Jets have been spinning their wheels in search of a true franchise quarterback. From aging legends to unproven rookies, the team has tried just about every path possible-none of them leading to sustained success. But with the 2026 NFL Draft looming, the Jets may finally be in a position to make a move that could change their trajectory for good.
Two names stand out at the top of the upcoming quarterback class: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore. Both have the kind of tools that NFL teams drool over-size, arm talent, poise, and production.
The challenge? If the season ended today, the Jets would be picking seventh overall.
That spot likely won’t be high enough to land either of these top-tier quarterbacks without making a move up the board.
But here’s where things get interesting: the Jets actually have the draft capital to make that kind of move. After trading away All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner and star defensive lineman Quinnen Williams at the deadline, the Jets now hold a war chest of picks.
Gardner netted them first-rounders in 2026 and 2027. Williams brought back a second-rounder in 2026 and another first-rounder in 2027.
That’s serious ammunition.
One scenario floated in a recent mock draft has the Jets packaging the No. 7 and No. 18 picks this year, along with a Day 2 selection, to move all the way up to No. 1 overall-potentially to take Mendoza. It’s the kind of aggressive swing that could finally solve the quarterback conundrum in Florham Park. And for a fanbase that’s endured 15 straight years without a playoff appearance, it might be exactly the kind of bold move they’re hoping for.
There’s certainly a case to be made for waiting until 2027 and seeing what the next class has to offer-names like Arch Manning and Julian Sayin are already generating buzz. But the Jets have been down that road before.
Waiting often means missing out, especially if you’re not picking near the top. Injuries, development curves, and draft positioning are unpredictable.
Banking on next year’s class is a risky game when you’ve already got a shot at a potential franchise cornerstone now.
Let’s also not overlook the financial flexibility the Jets are expected to have this offseason. With nearly $100 million in projected cap space, they’ll have the ability to fill other roster holes-whether it’s at receiver, along the offensive line, or shoring up the front seven. That kind of spending power gives them room to prioritize quarterback in the draft without neglecting the rest of the roster.
And Mendoza, in particular, looks like a strong fit for what offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand wants to do. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, he’s got the prototypical build of a pocket passer, but it’s his accuracy and ball placement that really stand out. He’s not going to wow you with Lamar Jackson-type mobility, but he moves well enough to evade pressure and extend plays when needed.
There are shades of Jared Goff in Mendoza’s game-a quarterback Aaron Glenn knows well from his time as Detroit’s defensive coordinator. Goff has made a living off timing, rhythm, and putting the ball where only his guy can get it.
Mendoza operates in a similar way: smart, precise, and efficient. He may not be flashy, but he’s effective-and that’s exactly what the Jets need right now.
The Jets’ recent quarterback history is a laundry list of misfires. Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers were brought in past their primes.
Zach Wilson was a high-upside swing that never connected. Justin Fields was a reclamation project that didn’t pan out, despite a hefty two-year, $40 million investment.
The result? One of the worst passing offenses in the league, year after year.
That’s why this draft feels different. The Jets have the assets.
They have the cap space. And they appear to have genuine interest-Jets GM Darren Mougey, senior football advisor Rick Spielman, and other team brass were spotted at Indiana’s game against Penn State last month, a clear sign they’re doing their homework on Mendoza.
At some point, you have to stop kicking the can down the road and go get your guy. Whether it’s Mendoza or Moore, if the Jets believe one of them is the quarterback to finally turn the page on two decades of mediocrity, then the time to act is now. Waiting another year only increases the risk of missing out again.
This isn’t about making a splash. It’s about finally stabilizing the most important position in football. And with the right move in April, the Jets just might be able to do that.