Jets' top quarterback options for the 2026 season
Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scrambles during the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on Jan. 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California. Credit: Getty Images/Ronald Martinez
This could only happen to the Jets: They have the No. 2 overall pick in a draft that might have only one potential franchise quarterback.
Dante Moore’s decision to return to Oregon had major ramifications for the Jets. After Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza presumably goes first to the Raiders, the Jets could take a defensive player second or trade down and collect more picks.
Either way, the Jets still should take a quarterback in this draft — just not at No. 2. They also should go all-in next year for a quarterback in a draft that could include Moore, Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, LaNorris Sellers and Darian Mensah. The Jets have three first-round picks in 2027.
Rebuilding the quarterback room — through the draft, free agency and trades — is a must. The Jets have been behind in the arms race for far too long. Here are their best QB options in 2026:
THE DRAFT
Ty Simpson
The Jets aren’t taking Simpson second overall, but they could grab him with the No. 16 pick. A big, accurate thrower, he completed 64.5% of his passes and threw 28 touchdown passes and only five interceptions in 15 games for Alabama. He lacks experience, though. Those were his only 15 college starts.
Trinidad Chambliss
He’s a dual-threat quarterback who would be a good choice — if he’s in the draft. Chambliss is appealing the NCAA’s decision to reject his request for a sixth season of eligibility. He led the SEC with 3,947 passing yards, threw 22 touchdown passes and ran for eight scores.
Carson Beck
He might have been one of the top picks last year if he had stayed in the draft instead of transferring from Georgia to Miami. Beck has helped the Hurricanes reach the CFP national championship game, but he’s not a first-round pick.
FREE AGENCY
Green Bay Packers' Malik Willis signals a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago. Credit: AP/Erin Hooley
Malik Willis
He could be in demand after playing well in place of Jordan Love this season. Willis passed for three touchdowns and ran for two more in 98 offensive snaps. A former third-round pick of Tennessee, he has nine total touchdowns and no interceptions in two seasons with Green Bay.
Kirk Cousins
He’s nearing the end, but Cousins led Atlanta to four straight wins to end the season. He couldn’t beat the Jets, though, which ended up costing them the No. 1 pick. He likely will be released by March 13 or he’s due $67.9 million guaranteed. He would be a good mentor for a young quarterback.
Tyler Huntley
He’s been Lamar Jackson’s backup most of his career. Huntley performed well in two starts this season, both wins.
Marcus Mariota
The former starter has been a serviceable backup. The mobile Mariota threw 10 touchdown passes and rushed for a TD in eight starts for Washington this season with Jayden Daniels hurt.
Mitch Trubisky
He hasn’t lived up to expectations as a No. 2 pick, but Trubisky carved up the Jets this season, which isn’t surprising. Trubisky, in relief of Josh Allen, threw four touchdown passes in the season finale in Buffalo.
THE TRADE MARKET
Mac Jones #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. Credit: Getty Images/Lachlan Cunningham
Mac Jones
The former Patriots quarterback, who was taken 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, 13 spots after Zach Wilson, looked good as a starter for San Francisco this season when Brock Purdy was hurt. The 49ers went 5-3 with Jones running the offense. He passed for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Jets might have to acquire a third-round pick to get him.
Kyler Murray
The new Cardinals coach will have a say on whether Murray is back. The Jets should inquire but shouldn’t give up too much. Murray could be released. He has a $36.8 million guarantee for 2026, and another $19.5 million kicks in if he’s on the roster on March 15.
Davis Mills
He stepped in when C.J. Stroud got hurt and helped the Texans go 3-0 this season. Mills threw for 719 yards, five touchdowns and one interception in those games. He’s in the final year of his contract.
Jacoby Brissett
The well-traveled 33-year-old put up some big numbers after replacing the injured Murray in Arizona — 3,366 yards and 23 touchdown passes in 12 starts. The Cardinals went 1-11. Brissett’s base salary next year is $4.8 million, but it’s not guaranteed.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
