New York Jets continue to be linked to polarizing quarterback despite Geno Smith trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets continue to be at the top of the list of teams around the league that need to find their long-term answer at quarterback, and the 2026 NFL draft will give them an opportunity to fix that.

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Considering the Jets likely won’t have an opportunity to draft Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson out of Alabama is the next best thing.

According to Ethen Hutton, the Jets’ current situation makes them a logical landing spot for a player of Simpson’s caliber, adding that he has a lot of tools that could intrigue the Jets.

“The New York Jets are in quarterback limbo once again. The team elected to part ways with former first-round pick Justin Fields after just one season, ultimately missing out on some of the big names in free agency such as Murray or Malik Willis.

“New York’s front office will set its sights to April’s draft, where Simpson could fall to them with the No. 16 overall pick. The offense needs greater depth, but offers a solid trio of assets around the quarterback spot in Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Mason Taylor. With the Jets, Simpson would likely take over the reins from the jump. While he could benefit from sitting for a season, he offers immediate fantasy upside in New York and could lay a solid foundation of production. I’d expect Simpson to range anywhere from QB20 to QB30 among fantasy leagues in his rookie season with the Jets.”

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There are a couple of problems the Jets have to consider with any rookie quarterback, and that’s the fact that said quarterback won’t play next year unless they really throw him into the fire, though that looks very unlikely after the moves they’ve already made.

On one hand, the Jets have enough offensive talent, including Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, to put around a young quarterback. On the other hand, only having two competent offensive players probably doesn’t help a rookie a whole lot.

Still, for a franchise looking to finally figure the position out, it’s probably a decent idea to give him a look.

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