Jets' Quarterback Future: It's Time to Swing Big or Stay Stuck
The search continues in Florham Park. For all the moves the Jets have made, the franchise is still staring down the same question it’s been asking for decades: Who’s the quarterback of the future?
This week, Brady Cook will get the start against the Patriots, but let’s be honest-he’s not the long-term solution. And after a year of experimentation with Justin Fields, it’s clear that project didn’t pan out either.
Fields was brought in with the hope that a change of scenery might unlock the promise he showed early in his career. Instead, a 3-12 record later, the Jets are back at square one.
Fields may not even make it to the start of the new league year in March.
So, what now?
The Draft Dilemma
The name on everyone's lips is Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana quarterback just wrapped up a Heisman-winning season, leading the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record.
He’s the kind of talent that can change a franchise’s trajectory. But there’s a problem: the Jets may not be in position to get him.
As it stands, the Jets hold the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Giants, Raiders, and Browns are slotted ahead of them, all teams that could be in the market for a quarterback. That puts Gang Green in a familiar spot-on the outside looking in.
If Mendoza is off the board, Oregon’s Dante Moore could be another option, assuming he declares. But again, sitting at No. 4 might not be enough to secure either player. So what’s the move?
Trade Up or Miss Out?
CBS Sports analyst JP Acosta laid it out clearly: if you believe Mendoza or Moore is your guy, go get him. The Jets are armed with draft capital-two first-round picks in 2026, three in 2027, and a pair of second-rounders as well.
Those assets came from big-name trades, including Sauce Gardner to the Colts and Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys. That’s the kind of ammo that gives you flexibility on draft day.
Acosta made a compelling case: “You gotta go get your guy now because you might not know what happens in 2027.” And he’s right.
The Jets have been in quarterback purgatory for far too long. They can’t afford to wait and hope the right guy falls into their lap.
The 2027 draft class may be loaded with talent at other positions-receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Cam Coleman, pass rushers like Dylan Stewart-but if you don’t have a quarterback, none of that matters. You’re just spinning your wheels.
Cap Space and Options
The Jets are also projected to have over $90 million in cap space in 2026. That’s a war chest that allows them to be aggressive, whether it’s moving up in the draft or exploring the trade market. But the trade options this offseason aren’t exactly inspiring.
Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa could be available, but both are coming off disappointing seasons. Neither feels like the kind of reset the Jets are looking for. If you’re going to make a big move, it should be for a young, ascending player-not a reclamation project.
A Bridge to the Future
Regardless of what happens in the draft, the Jets are going to need a veteran to hold down the fort. Two names to watch: Jacoby Brissett and Marcus Mariota. Both are set to hit free agency and both have shown they can manage a game and mentor a young quarterback.
Brissett filled in admirably for Kyler Murray this season, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards with 19 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Mariota, meanwhile, stepped in for Jayden Daniels and was solid, if unspectacular-1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, seven picks in eight starts.
Neither is going to light up the scoreboard, but that’s not the point. They’re steady hands who can guide a rookie through the early growing pains. And if the Jets end up waiting until 2027 to draft their quarterback, Brissett or Mariota could bridge the gap.
The Wild Card: Ty Simpson
If Mendoza and Moore are off the board, Alabama’s Ty Simpson could be a name to watch. He’ll get a big stage in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, facing off against Mendoza and the Hoosiers.
Simpson’s numbers have been solid-he threw for 232 yards and two scores in Alabama’s playoff win over Oklahoma-but scouts are split. He’s a fearless passer over the middle, but there are concerns about his accuracy and athleticism under pressure.
“He’s going to throw that ball over the middle of the field, despite some of his limited athletic tools,” Acosta said. “If you’re looking for a guy that you want to take a swing on, maybe Ty Simpson can be the guy you draft and let him sit.”
That’s the key-Simpson may need time. He’s not a plug-and-play starter like Mendoza or Moore. But if the Jets miss out on the top two, he could be a developmental option worth considering.
The Bottom Line
The Jets placed Justin Fields on injured reserve this week, and head coach Aaron Glenn didn’t commit to his future with the team. With a $23 million cap hit looming in 2026, it’s hard to see Fields sticking around.
And even if he were healthy for the final two games against New England and Buffalo, it likely wouldn’t change the outcome. The Jets aren’t just playing out the string-they’re staring down a pivotal offseason that could finally, mercifully, bring an end to their quarterback carousel.
They’ve tried stopgaps. They’ve tried reclamation projects.
They’ve tried waiting for the right guy to fall to them. None of it has worked.
Now, with draft capital and cap space in hand, the time has come to take control of their future.
Go get your guy.