Last year, when the New York Jets decided they would not move forward with Aaron Rodgers, it was clear they needed a new starting quarterback. The Jets decided to take a chance on former first-round pick Justin Fields. He was signed to a two-year, $40 million contract and can now be released after one season.
For the second year in a row, the Jets are in need of a new franchise quarterback. Still, as Jets fans well know, it can be difficult to figure out, especially this year.
One quarterback is widely projected to be a first-round pick (Fernando Mendoza), and barring a shocking surprise, he is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick. Meanwhile, the Jets have the No. 2 overall pick and a clear need at QB, but have no one eligible for the selection.
However, according to Jets general manager Darren Maugy, New York will "absolutely" try to trade up for the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Jets fans shouldn't get their hopes up by dreaming of drafting Mendoza, because as Maugi said, "I don't think it's happening." Unless, of course, Mendoza took the absurd advice of one of the teams he spoke to at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"Sure, we'll talk about all those things, but I don't think that's what's happening," Maugi said.
Maugi and Raiders general manager John Spytek are still friends from their days working together at the Broncos. But just because they're old friends doesn't mean Spytek will do the Jets any favors for the upcoming NFL Draft. In other words, the Jets will have to find their next QB elsewhere.
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