Jets’ Quarterback Conundrum: Draft, Trade, or Wait?
As the 2026 offseason looms, there’s no dancing around it - the New York Jets are staring down a familiar but urgent need: quarterback. After a year marked by instability and underwhelming production under center, the Jets’ top priority is clear.
But how they address that need? That’s where things get murky.
With four picks in the first two rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft, the Jets have the capital to make a splash. That could mean selecting a young quarterback to develop - names like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson are already making the rounds in fan circles. But there's another, more dramatic route: flipping those picks for a proven star.
And with recent developments around two high-profile quarterbacks - Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow - the trade rumor mill has kicked into overdrive. Both have franchise credentials.
Both are facing uncertain futures. And both, at least in theory, could be the kind of splashy acquisition that resets the Jets’ trajectory.
Let’s break down where things stand.
Jalen Hurts: A Proven Winner in a Rough Patch
Jalen Hurts isn’t your traditional gunslinger. He’s never been the flashiest passer - especially in comparison to guys like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or even Joe Burrow. But what Hurts brings is something the Jets haven’t had in decades: consistent, high-level winning.
Since taking over as Philadelphia’s starter, Hurts has led the Eagles to the playoffs four straight years, two Super Bowl appearances, and one championship. He’s third all-time in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (43) and has been the heartbeat of one of the NFC’s most competitive teams. He’s mobile, tough, and a respected leader in the locker room.
But 2025 hasn’t been kind to him - or the Eagles offense. Hurts just turned in the worst performance of his career, capping a season where Philly ranks 19th in scoring and 24th in total offense. His QBR has dipped to 51.9, his lowest since becoming the full-time starter in 2021, and good for just 20th among 31 qualified passers.
In Philadelphia, the frustration is palpable. Local radio chatter has turned up the heat, with some calling for Hurts to be benched. That’s a far cry from the MVP buzz he generated just a season ago.
Could he be on the move? Not likely.
Hurts has a no-trade clause - a major roadblock right out of the gate. Even if the Eagles wanted to explore a deal (which they don’t), Hurts would have to sign off. And it’s hard to imagine him green-lighting a move to a Jets team with a shakier offensive line and less firepower at receiver than he currently has in Philly.
On top of that, the Eagles’ leadership remains firmly in Hurts’ corner. Owner Jeffrey Lurie, GM Howie Roseman, and head coach Nick Sirianni have all backed him publicly and financially.
Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million extension after his first Super Bowl run. That’s not the kind of commitment you walk away from after one down year.
Jets-Hurts trade odds: Low. Very low.
Joe Burrow: Elite Talent, Uncertain Future
Joe Burrow, on the other hand, is a different kind of case. When healthy, he’s one of the best pure passers in the league.
In 2024, he led the NFL in both passing touchdowns (43) and yards (4,918), dragging a flawed Bengals roster to a 9-8 record. He’s got the poise, the arm, the accuracy - all the tools you want in a franchise quarterback.
But the key phrase there is “when healthy.”
Burrow has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. A torn ACL and MCL as a rookie.
A 10-game season in 2023. A broken foot that limited him in 2025.
And now, with Cincinnati likely to miss the playoffs for a third straight year, Burrow sounds more frustrated than ever.
“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing this,” Burrow said recently. “I’ve been through a lot. If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?”
That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement for the direction of the franchise. And for Bengals fans, it’s a gut punch. Burrow is the face of the team - and without him, Cincinnati’s competitive window slams shut.
So, could the Jets swoop in with a trade package built around three first-round picks and change?
The door isn’t locked - but it’s barely cracked open.
Like Hurts, Burrow has a no-trade clause. If the Bengals decided to hit the reset button, Burrow would control his next destination.
And while the Jets have made strides, they’re still not the kind of franchise that elite quarterbacks are lining up to join. Not yet.
There’s also the looming fear that Burrow’s situation could start to mirror Andrew Luck’s. Too many injuries.
Too little support. And the possibility of an early exit from the game altogether.
Jets-Burrow trade odds: Low to medium - but trending down.
So Where Does That Leave the Jets?
Here’s the reality: as enticing as it is to imagine a blockbuster trade for a star quarterback, it’s not the most likely path for the Jets - at least not this offseason.
Both Hurts and Burrow are under contract, protected by no-trade clauses, and tied to organizations that still view them as foundational pieces. And even if either were to become available, the Jets would have to convince them that Florham Park is the place to be. That’s a tall order for a team still trying to prove it can build and sustain a winning culture.
Which brings us back to the draft. With four picks in the first two rounds, the Jets are in a strong position to find their quarterback of the future - whether that’s Mendoza, Moore, Simpson, or someone else. It’s not the flashiest move, but it might be the smartest.
Because if New York wants to become a destination for stars, it has to start acting like a stable, forward-thinking franchise. That means building the right infrastructure, developing talent, and showing the league that this isn’t the same old Jets.
The quarterback question is still wide open. But one thing is certain: how the Jets answer it in 2026 will shape the franchise for years to come.