At the beginning of the offseason, New York Jets general manager Darren Maugy identified quarterback as the team's biggest weakness. Rumors were already suggesting Justin Fields was out long before the Jets traded him to the Chiefs.
At the start of free agency, the Jets got their new starting quarterback by trading for Geno Smith from the Raiders. But Smith is 35 years old, and he is only under contract through the 2026 season. By 2027, the Jets will again need another new starting quarterback.
Still, the Jets not only brought in Smith to potentially be a bridge starter, but they are also identifying potential long-term solutions at QB.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Jets' GM recently met with Miami (FL) QB prospect Carson Beck. The next day, Mauggi watched closely as Beck went through his Miami Pro Day. Still, it's not just Beck's infatuation; The Jets are also investigating other QB prospects.
SNY's Jets insider Connor Hughes reports that the Jets also held a private workout with Penn State QB Drew Allar. Several Jets officials observed Allard make several throws to his receivers with the Nittany Lions.
Neither quarterback is viewed as a first-round prospect. However, they are both in the next tier of QBs who could be selected outside of the first round. With a total of nine draft selections, the Jets have plenty of ammo to go around and get their guy. Don't expect this to happen with the second overall pick in the first round.
New York also has the 16th, 33rd and 44th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. After that, he has no selection till 103. Thus, either the Jets will have their potential QB of the future after making their pick at 44, or they can target a trade that becomes safer a little later.
Chances are, the QB they want still won't be available at 103. With an aging veteran who is tossing an NFL-high 17 interceptions, the Jets should be viewed as one of the most desperate teams to solve the QB position this offseason.
RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft after the first wave of free agency
