Ty Simpson Could Be the Jets’ Answer at Quarterback - If They’re Willing to Play the Long Game
Another offseason, another quarterback crossroads for the New York Jets. For a franchise that’s spent the better part of the last decade cycling through short-term fixes and veteran stopgaps, the 2026 NFL Draft presents a familiar but pivotal opportunity: find a long-term solution under center.
This time around, there’s a chance to hit reset - not just at quarterback, but across the offense. With a young supporting cast already in place, the Jets are in a position to invest in a quarterback who can grow with the roster, not just manage it. And while Dante Moore’s return to Oregon may have shaken up some draft boards, one name still stands out as a compelling option for New York: Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
He’s not a finished product, and his tape has its share of inconsistencies. But dig a little deeper, and there’s a lot to like about what Simpson brings to the table - especially for a team like the Jets looking to build something sustainable.
What Ty Simpson Brings to the Table
After biding his time in Tuscaloosa, Simpson stepped into the starting role at Alabama and showed why he was worth the wait. He’s not the type of quarterback who’s going to wow you with a rocket arm or jaw-dropping highlight reels. But what he does bring is a well-rounded skill set that fits today’s NFL - and more importantly, fits what the Jets need.
Let’s start with the basics. Simpson has good overall arm talent.
He’s capable of delivering the ball from a variety of platforms and angles, which allows him to stay on schedule even when plays break down. He’s also comfortable operating in a pro-style offense - a big checkmark when projecting to the NFL - and he’s shown the ability to make full-field reads and handle pre-snap protection responsibilities.
That kind of mental processing is rare for a college quarterback, especially one with limited starting experience. Add in his athleticism - he’s a legit plus athlete who can move the pocket, extend plays, and be a threat on designed runs - and you start to see why he’s drawing serious interest.
Simpson’s mobility isn’t just a bonus; it’s a tool that can help an offense stay ahead of the sticks. He’s effective on bootlegs, zone-read looks, and in scramble situations. And while he’s not going to outrun safeties, he moves well enough to punish defenses that don’t account for him.
But perhaps most impressively, Simpson plays with poise. He’s willing to stand in the pocket, take a hit, and still deliver a strike. That kind of toughness and composure under pressure is tough to teach - and it’s something the Jets haven’t had consistently at quarterback in years.
Where the Development Still Needs to Happen
Now, let’s be clear: Simpson isn’t a plug-and-play star. There are areas of his game that still need work, and any team drafting him - especially the Jets - will need to have a development plan in place.
His deep-ball accuracy can be inconsistent, particularly when he’s throwing with anticipation. He has enough arm strength to make the throws, but he doesn’t always drive the ball with the kind of velocity you’d want, especially on late throws across the field.
He’s also still working on his touch and pacing on layered throws - the kind that require dropping the ball over a linebacker and in front of a safety. Against complex coverages, he occasionally rushes his process or misreads leverage.
And while Simpson has shown flashes of being able to manage a game, he hasn’t yet proven he can carry an offense in high-volume, come-from-behind situations. That’s not a knock - plenty of successful NFL quarterbacks weren’t asked to do that in college - but it’s something to monitor as he transitions to the next level.
Why He Makes Sense for the Jets
For the Jets, the appeal of Simpson lies in his balance. He’s not a raw project who needs to be rebuilt from the ground up, but he’s also not a finished product who’s going to step in and immediately transform the offense. What he offers is a solid foundation: mental toughness, athleticism, and enough arm talent to grow into a starting role.
If the Jets are willing to be patient - and that’s a big “if” in today’s NFL - Simpson could give them something they haven’t had in a long time: stability at quarterback. He’s the kind of player who benefits from a clear developmental plan, a strong coaching staff, and a system that plays to his strengths.
That means leaning into his mobility, giving him defined reads early, and gradually expanding the offense as his confidence and processing speed grow. It also means surrounding him with a reliable offensive line and a play-caller who understands how to build a scheme around a young quarterback’s skill set.
NFL Comparison: Daniel Jones (With a Caveat)
The comp that keeps coming up for Simpson is Daniel Jones - and not just because of the similar build and athletic profile. Like Jones, Simpson has functional mobility, toughness, and enough arm talent to operate in a pro-style system. The success - or struggle - of both quarterbacks hinges heavily on the structure around them.
That’s not to say Simpson is destined to follow the same trajectory. But it’s a reminder that context matters.
Put the right pieces around him, and he can thrive. Rush him into a bad situation, and the flaws will show up quickly.
Draft Projection: Early Day 2
Simpson isn’t going in the top 10, and he’s not the kind of prospect who’s going to leapfrog the elite names in this class. But as a top-50 pick - and likely the second quarterback off the board after Mendoza - he brings real value.
For the Jets, he’s not just a fallback option. He’s a legitimate long-term investment. One who won’t fix everything overnight, but who could - with the right support and development - finally bring some stability to a position that’s been anything but.
And for a franchise that’s been chasing the answer at quarterback for far too long, that might be exactly what they need.