A new report suggests that the New York Jets' alleged interest in quarterback prospect Ty Simpson may be part of a plan to trick a rival team into trading additional draft picks.
There is no doubt that the Jets need help at the quarterback position. This has been a problem for a long time, and nothing has changed in 2026. They spent a big chunk of money last year when they signed Justin Fields in free agency. He ultimately ended up being a disaster and was dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs last month.
This offseason, they are hoping Geno Smith can fix the problem in the short term. But taking a QB prospect in next week's NFL Draft would seem to be a better option. That's why, despite a weak quarterback class this year, the Jets have been linked to Alabama's Ty Simpson with their second pick in Round 1, or their selection in Round 2.
They have scouted him closely, and some football evaluators believe he is better than the player expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. However, according to NFL Draft expert Todd McShay, the Jets' attraction to Simpson may not be legitimate.
The New York Jets playing a draft game with the Arizona Cardinals?
In Friday's post, he claimed the "whole plan" for the Jets is to get a young QB in the 2027 draft. And while he thinks they could select Simpson with their pick at 33, he said, "I honestly think the Jets may put it there because they want Arizona to move up and take him."
McShay speculated and speculated that the Cardinals might be willing to give up a fourth-rounder to move up from 34th to 33rd to ensure they get Simpson. Arizona also has a messy situation at QB, especially after cutting longtime starter Kyler Murray this offseason.
If the Jets are only willing to use the Day 3 pick on Simpson, this is a very smart play by the front office to make it seem like they could use the Day 1 or 2 selection on him so they can move down a spot in Round 2 and get an additional fourth round pick.
