If the New York Jets want to get serious about evaluating their young offensive talent in 2026, they’ll need to make a move at quarterback-again. After the Justin Fields experiment fell flat last season, the Jets can’t afford another year of instability under center. And while names like Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, and Malik Willis are floating around the rumor mill, there’s one option that might make more sense than most: Tua Tagovailoa.
Yes, that Tua-currently with the Dolphins, a division rival. On paper, it sounds like a strange fit. But dig a little deeper, and the logic becomes a lot more compelling.
Why Tua in New York Actually Makes Sense
Let’s start with the system. The Jets are bringing in Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator, and with him comes a West Coast scheme that thrives on timing, accuracy, and horizontal passing.
That’s Tua’s wheelhouse. He’s not the deep-ball gunslinger some fans dream of, but he’s consistently accurate, quick with his reads, and capable of executing a rhythm-based offense at a high level.
That’s exactly what the Jets need right now-not just to win games, but to properly evaluate the young core they’ve assembled at the skill positions. You can’t judge wide receivers or tight ends when the quarterback play is erratic. Tua offers stability, and in this system, he could be the point guard who gets the ball into the hands of New York’s playmakers and lets them shine.
The Dolphins Might Be Ready to Move On
Reports suggest Miami is ready to turn the page at quarterback. If that’s true, then the Jets could be in position to make a move. Trading within the division is always tricky, but it’s not unheard of-especially if the Dolphins are simply looking to offload salary.
And here’s where things get interesting: the Jets have the cap space to absorb Tua’s contract outright. That could open the door to a creative deal, something along the lines of the Brock Osweiler trade from a few years back.
In that scenario, New York could take on the full contract and potentially receive draft compensation in return. For a team that’s not just a quarterback away, adding picks while solving the QB issue-at least temporarily-would be a savvy move.
Short-Term Fix, Long-Term Flexibility
Nobody’s saying Tua is the long-term answer in New York. This would be a one-year audition, a bridge to whatever comes next.
But that’s exactly what the Jets need. With head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey potentially coaching for their jobs in 2026, they need a veteran who can stabilize the offense and give the front office a clear look at what they’ve got on the roster.
And if the Dolphins decide to release Tua outright? Even better for the Jets.
They could swoop in and sign him on a team-friendly deal, much like the Steelers did with Russell Wilson. That would give them even more flexibility to build out the roster and maintain future cap health.
Bottom Line
This isn’t about making a splash. It’s about making a smart football decision.
Tua Tagovailoa fits the scheme, fits the timeline, and fits the budget. He might not be the long-term face of the franchise, but he could be the right quarterback at the right time for a Jets team that desperately needs clarity on offense.
In a year where the Jets need answers-at quarterback, on the sideline, and across the offense-Tua could be the one to help them find them.