Jets Miss Out on Dante Moore - So What’s Next at Quarterback?
Dante Moore is staying in Eugene for another year, and that decision just sent a ripple through the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. The New York Jets, holding the No. 2 overall pick and long linked to Moore, now have to pivot-and fast.
The Jets’ quarterback situation is, to put it bluntly, a mess. They cycled through three starters this past season-Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook-and none of them managed to inspire much confidence.
The trio combined for just 2,777 passing yards and 14 touchdowns across the entire year. That’s not just underwhelming-it’s flat-out ineffective in today’s NFL.
With Fields likely on his way out and the futures of Taylor and Cook uncertain, the Jets are back at square one under center. And with Moore off the board, the question becomes: who’s next?
10 Possible QB Targets for the Jets
According to recent reports, the Jets are evaluating a wide range of quarterback options, both from the college ranks and around the league. Here’s a look at ten names reportedly on their radar:
- Ty Simpson (Alabama) - A strong-armed passer with SEC pedigree who’s shown flashes of big-play ability.
- Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) - An intriguing dual-threat talent with upside, though still raw in some areas.
- Carson Beck (Miami) - Polished and poised, Beck has the kind of pocket presence that could translate well to the pros.
- Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) - A gunslinger with confidence and a knack for pushing the ball downfield.
- Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) - A former No. 1 overall pick whose future in Arizona remains uncertain. His mobility and arm talent are undeniable, but durability and fit are key questions.
- Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) - A proven veteran who could offer stability and leadership, though at 37, he’s not a long-term solution.
- Malik Willis (Green Bay Packers) - Still a bit of a project, but his athleticism and arm strength make him a potential reclamation project.
- Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) - If made available, Tua brings accuracy and experience, though he’s had his share of injury concerns.
- Mac Jones (San Francisco 49ers) - A former first-round pick who’s struggled to find his footing after a promising rookie year.
- Russell Wilson (New York Giants) - The veteran QB is coming off a turbulent stretch, but his resume still carries weight.
This isn’t just about finding a quarterback-it’s about finding the quarterback. The Jets can’t afford to miss again.
A Franchise at the Crossroads
The Jets finished the 2025 season at 3-14. That record alone tells part of the story, but it gets worse.
The team made unwanted history by becoming the first in NFL history to go an entire season without recording a single defensive interception. They also lost five straight games by 23 or more points-another dubious record.
Those kinds of numbers don’t just happen by accident. They reflect deeper issues across the roster and in the locker room.
And while some fans are calling for head coach Aaron Glenn’s job, the reality is he’s likely sticking around-at least for now. Glenn signed a five-year deal last offseason, and despite the chaos, the front office appears committed to giving him more time.
Still, the pressure is mounting. Glenn made a bold move early in his tenure by releasing Aaron Rodgers and betting on Justin Fields.
That gamble didn’t pay off. Now, he’s once again tasked with identifying the right quarterback to lead this team out of the abyss.
Whether the Jets go with a rookie from this year’s class or take a swing on a veteran, they have to get it right.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
The Jets have already moved on from cornerstone defenders Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, trading both for future draft capital. Those moves signal a clear rebuild, but a rebuild without a quarterback is just a waiting game.
This offseason is a turning point. The Jets have the draft capital, the cap space, and the urgency.
What they need now is clarity at the most important position in sports. They’ve tried patchwork solutions.
They’ve taken risks. They’ve made bold moves.
But none of it has worked-yet.
If they miss again at quarterback, we could be looking at another lost season in 2026. And if that happens, the patience around Aaron Glenn and this front office might finally run out.
For now, all eyes are on the draft board-and the Jets’ next move.