The New York Jets know who will be their starting quarterback in 2026. Still, as he experienced last season, just because a starter is in place doesn’t mean he’ll retain that QB1 role all year.

After all, Geno Smith is 35 years old, and he’s coming off a season where he led the NFL with 17 interceptions. The results are not guaranteed to be better than last year, when the Jets finished tied with Smith’s former team for the worst record in football at 3–14.

For now, the Jets have Smith as the starter, fourth-round Clemson rookie Cade Klubnik as a developmental backup and a potential long-term solution. Brady Cook, an undrafted rookie free agent signee from 2025, is the third QB in New York. Bailey Jappe, a 27-year-old former fourth-round pick, is the other QB on the roster, but there is no guarantee that Cook and/or Jappe will still have a roster spot by the time of the camp break.

Also, after recently offering Russell Wilson a contract, it’s clear the Jets are still looking to add depth to their quarterback room. While Wilson is considering a contract offer with the Jets along with other career opportunities, the Jets may have to turn elsewhere. So, which quarterback should the Jets consider to support and/or push Smith?

Russell Wilson

The obvious connection, Wilson has already visited the Jets, and he presumably still has a place to live in New York after playing for the Giants last season. Additionally, it has long been rumored that he and his wife Ciara prefer the New York area. If Wilson wants to continue playing football, it doesn’t really matter how much the Jets are willing to offer. Plus, there’s a good chance he’ll get a chance to play at some point, as it’s not like the Jets are expected to be competitive. The question is, do the Jets want someone who has more long-term upside?

jimmy garoppolo

Also rumored to be considering retirement after spending the last two seasons as Matthew Stafford’s backup, Garoppolo will turn 35 in November. Still, if he still wants to cash some checks without too much risk, why not sign up with the Jets and make a few million more dollars? The two-time Super Bowl winner’s 12 years of experience will certainly be valuable to the younger players, including rookie Klubnik.

josh dobbs

Although Dobbs does not have long-term starting potential, he has proven that he is capable of playing even on short notice. The 31-year-old is as talented as they come, but he’s also a little light on experience, with only 15 NFL starts to his name. He only appeared in four games with the Patriots last season, but Dobbs has shown he can move chains with his legs and arm.

Anthony Richardson

The Jets probably don’t want to give up any draft compensation, knowing this is not a team that is ready to compete right away. However, with Aaron Glenn clearly on the hot seat after three win seasons, they may feel a strong sense of urgency in New York. In that case, why not take a chance on a 23-year-old QB with superstar potential? Richardson could be everything the Jets are looking for; He still needs more development.

Will Lewis

Since the Titans have Cam Ward, former second-round pick Will Lewis is also slated to play after missing last year with a shoulder injury. Now healthy, the soon-to-be 27-year-old is a prime buyout candidate. Attributed to a strong arm, Lewis can make all throws, which should play well in the high winds at MetLife Stadium.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB Rankings

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The New York Jets appear to be committed to keeping Geno Smith as their starting quarterback for the start of the 2026 NFL season. Still, the front office has invested in other players, including spending a fourth-round choice on Clemson QB Cade Klubnik.

The other options, Brady Cook and Bailey Zappé, are not starting material. However, Jets general manager Darren Maugy has recently attempted to strengthen the Jets’ QB room by bringing in another starting-caliber arm.

According to free agent QB Russell Wilson, the Jets recently offered him a contract when they brought the 37-year-old in for a private workout.

While Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion, appreciated the offer, he says he’s still considering what to do next. Some possible options include becoming an NFL analyst, discussing your favorite sport on TV.

Still, Wilson also suggests that he “knows I can play ball at a high level.”

“It was great,” Wilson said, via Ryan Dunleavy New York Post. “They offered me, and I’m trying to figure out what’s the next best thing for me. I still know I can play ball at a high level, but I also have a chance to work in TV, so we’ll see what happens.”

Those comments lead us to believe that instead of making good money talking about football on TV, Wilson will, at some point during the 2026 NFL season, be joining an NFL roster. He can talk about football until he’s blue in the face, but he’ll only get more chances to actually get on the field. In fact, this could be one of the Jets’ last chances to compete.

RELATED: 4 potential Brandon Sorsby landing spots in the NFL supplemental draft

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The New York Jets landed the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Most years, that’s good enough to hone in on a potential franchise quarterback. But not this year, when most analysts projected to draft only one quarterback in the first round.

Thus, the Jets made other plans, such as trading a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Geno Smith long before he was drafted. With two-time Pro Bowl QB Smith, it appears the Jets have their starting QB for 2026. However, they also traded up to select Clemson’s Cade Klubnik in the fourth round.

Still, the Jets’ QB room, which currently consists of Smith, Klubnik, Brady Cook and Bailey Zappé, can’t be set.

According to ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini, the team recently hosted 10-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson for a free agency visit. Still, Cimini reports that “nothing is imminent” as the Jets are going through “their process” in looking for an experienced backup QB. Interestingly, Smith’s relationship with Wilson during his time in Seattle may have helped the former Super Bowl-winning Seahawks QB work out with the Giants.

Wilson doesn’t have any starting opportunities left unless he’s willing to join a rebuild like Arizona or go back to Pittsburgh (which still seems to be tied to Aaron Rodgers), or wait out a potential injury to another starter. Thus, a return to New York, this time with the Jets instead of the Giants, could make sense for the 37-year-old QB.

RELATED: 5 teams who improved the most in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the New York Jets

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The New York Jets selected a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the player was unlikely to compete with Geno Smith for the starting job this summer.

The first day of this year’s draft was a great one for the Jets. With the second overall pick, they went with a safe option, taking talented Texas Tech edge David Bailey. Then at No. 16, he landed a potential game-breaker at the tight spot in Oregon’s Kenyon Sedig. They then surprised many by moving back in Round 1 to select Indiana star receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

On the second day of the event, he received much praise when he used his only pick on Friday to get another star from the national champions, this time, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds. Heading into Day 3, there was one thing many Jets fans were hoping for, and that was for the team to select a young QB.

Well, he got one in Round 4, but he’s not going to get Gang Green fans excited after his performance in 2025. With their second pick on Saturday, the franchise selected Illinois signal caller Cade Klubnik.

Cade Klubnik’s regression from Heisman contender in 2025

In 2024, he had a breakout season in his sophomore year for the Fighting Illini. He threw for a career-high 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns to six interceptions. He also connected on 63.4 percent of his passes. That’s why he was an early Heisman Trophy contender, and why Illinois was viewed as a team that could make serious noise in the Big Ten.

This past season was much different as he regressed and had only 2,943 yards and 16 TDs in two fewer games. While his completion percentage (65.6) had increased, his passer rating dropped by nearly 10 points compared to the previous year. Illinois improved from 10-3 in 2024 to 9-4 this past season.

Klubnik can make a lot of throws which he will need in the pros. However, he is a bit undersized (6-foot-2, 207 pounds), and his field vision was average. He could also use some work on his mechanics. Still, he has very good rushing ability and two years ago he ran for 463 yards and seven touchdowns.

Klubnik is a project and will not give Smith any serious competition for the QB1 job in training camp.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

After realizing that there was no quarterback worth selecting with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets moved quickly to acquire Geno Smith. He is expected to be the Jets’ starting QB for the entire season.

But what about 2027? After all, if Smith could only lead the Raiders to a 2-13 record last year, who’s to say he’d be any better for the Jets? Still, Jets general manager Darren Maugi is reportedly busy identifying other QB prospects who could develop into long-term solutions in New York.

According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Jets have “done a lot of work” on Alabama QB Ty Simpson.

The Jets have really done a lot of work on Simpson, who is projected to be either a late first-round pick or a late-round pick. New York joined Simpson in a private workout, attended his Pro Day, and even took him out to dinner. The Jets have the second and 16th picks in the first round of the draft. They also have the 34th and 44th picks in the second round.

The Cardinals are another team that has been heavily linked to Simpson, and their QB situation is even more dire than the Jets. The Cardinals pick 3rd and 34th, and we could see both of these teams competing for the spot to make sure they get their guy.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

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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.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A New York Jets insider this week revealed the unexpected reason why the team prefers to use the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft on David Bailey instead of Arvel Reese.

After another disappointing season in 2025, the Jets are in good position heading into next week’s draft. While they don’t have the No. 1 overall pick at the event, they might as well as the Las Vegas Raiders are set to take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in Round 1. This allows the Jets to select the most talent-rich player available this year.

There is a lot of speculation about who that player will be. However, most mock drafts and expert opinions point to the Jets selecting Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey or his Ohio State counterpart Arvel Reese. The reason a lot of people are divided on them is the perception that Bayley is better right now, with Reese having a much better fit.

Well, it seems like the Jets’ decision makers aren’t thinking long term and want to get better immediately after a three-win season.

Do the New York Jets want David Bailey because he can make an impact quickly?

During a new appearance on the gang is all here podcast, Jets insider Brian Costello claimed that many around the NFL are convinced Bailey will be the choice for two reasons. First of all, Glenn is feeling the pressure of losing his job and needs a player who can be very good now, not later. The second reason is that Bailey is a “plug-and-play” talent. On the other hand, it is unclear where Reese will play in the NFL as an EDGE or outside linebacker.

Costello believes it would be a poor decision by Glenn and management to draft a player based on what they can do for them now rather than in the long term. However, this is the opinion of sources around the NFL as to how the Jets’ brain trust will view this incident.

Jets fans will find out which way the team goes during the first day of the 2026 NFL Draft next week.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The New York Jets have a big week coming up, with the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching on April 23. After finishing with only a 3–14 record, the Jets earned the No. 2 overall pick in the first round. They also have the 16th overall pick from the Sauce Gardner trade to the Indianapolis Colts.

Many expected the Jets to select a pass-rusher with the second overall pick, but there has been some debate as to whether they would target Ohio State’s Arvel Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey. after this? Things are even more uncertain.

However, according to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Jets “think very highly” of Arizona safety/cornerback hybrid Traydon Stukes, and he has been flying up draft boards since his season ended.

Stukes ran a stellar 40-yard dash of 4.38 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine, as well as a vertical jump of 38 inches. He has played safety, nickel and outside cornerback and NFL evaluators believe he will be able to handle all three positions at the next level as well.

While Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is generally regarded as the third-best safety in the draft class behind top-10 pick Caleb Downs and fellow first-round safety Dillon Thieneman, Pauline reports that Stucks is graded as the third-best safety on some teams’ boards. Others have him as the top nickel back of the draft.

The Jets have the 2nd, 16th, 33rd and 44th picks in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Chances are, Stukes will be considered at picks 33 and 44, otherwise they might not get it.

RELATED: ‘Consensus’ points to the New York Jets selecting with the No. 2 pick

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The only positive side of the New York Jets’ ugly three-win season in 2025 was landing the No. 2 pick in this month’s NFL Draft. Although it’s not the top pick, the team may still get the best player in the 2026 class as the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Fernando Mendoza – the best QB in the quarterback class in week one – with the No. 1 pick.

For several weeks, the Jets have been projected to take Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Ohio State star Arvel Reese. However, there is another option, and that is to use their very valuable selection in a trade to accumulate additional picks and fill more needs, or acquire a proven star from a rival team. Especially since he is the second selection in Round 1 (No. 16).

With that in mind, let’s take a look at four bold trades the Jets could make with the No. 2 pick in next week’s NFL Draft.

trade for max crosby

One of the biggest surprises this offseason was the Baltimore Ravens’ backtracking on their blockbuster trade for five-time Pro Bowler Max Crosby. That deal would have given the Raiders a pair of first-round draft picks, including the 16th pick the following week.

If Las Vegas still wants to move Crosby, they are unlikely to get two first-down picks after the pass rusher’s medical records are referred to the Ravens’ medical team. However, acquiring the No. 2 pick, as well as the Jets’ additional picks in rounds 2 and 4, and the third in 2027, could trouble the Raiders. This would help Las Vegas get the QB they need in one class and possibly the best player in this year’s class in two.

Traded to Kansas City Chiefs for picks No. 9 and 29

With the current streak of 15 years out of the playoffs and one 3-win year, the Jets need all the elite and affordable prospects they can get. That’s why they could consider a deal where they give up their selection for two first-rounders (Nos. 9 and 29) to the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the pick at nine, they could go after a top cornerback like LSU’s Mansur Delaney or Ohio State stud receiver Carnell Tate. With that fourth and final pick in Round 1, another corner like Colton Hood or QB prospect Ty Simpson could be an option.

Trade for Ja’Marr Chase

If Aaron Glenn wants Geno Smith to return to his Pro Bowl form, the more weapons the better. That’s why using their pick at No. 2 and going after an elite weapon like the Cincinnati Bengals’ superstar receiver Jamar Chase should be in play.

The Bengals are a mess and have invested a lot of money in three players on offense. Although they would love to keep Chase, he is the best business asset they can consider transferring. That would give them two top-10 picks and a chance to replace star pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson.

Trade up for picks No. 12 and 20 to the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are another first-round team that has a couple of options. Jerry Jones will likely fall by himself to go No. 2 overall. Because of the value, New York could get the likes of Dallas on days 12 and 20, as well as something on the third day of the event.

In such a deal, the Jets could use the second pick at No. 12 to go after a top offensive lineman like Kaidin Proctor or Francis Mauigoa, and at No. 20, they could target receiver Denzel Boston or defensive tackle Peter Woods as a potential replacement for Quinnen Williams.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Vegas Golden Knights used another strong offensive performance to defeat the Winnipeg Jets 2-0 on Monday night. They are now 6-0-1 since the hiring of head coach John Tortorella.

The win extended the Golden Knights’ point streak to nine games, and they now have sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division and a chance to clinch a win against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday.

Amidst the noise around the league, the first season was quiet. The Golden Knights forced a power-play by sending Adam Lowry for holding.

Not much happened on the power play, and neither did the Golden Knights for most of the period, which ended scoreless after 20 minutes.

It was Mark Stone who first got the Golden Knights on board. There was a shorthanded two-on between him and Jack Eichel and Stone beat Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

The puck went to the five-hole on Hellebuyck and took a lucky bounce, giving the Golden Knights the lead midway through the second period.

After what felt like a parade in the penalty box by both teams, Reilly Smith scored his 14th goal of the season by deflecting a shot past defenseman Noah Hanifin.

This gave the Golden Knights a 2–0 lead at the end of the second period, often called the worst lead in hockey but it played no role. Early in the third period, Eichel delivered a no-look pass to Ivan Barbashev, who headed into the open net and the score became 3–0.

Later in the third, Gabe Vilardi got the Jets on the board. Mark Scheifele added another soon after, cutting the deficit to 4–2.

Vegas answered on a double minor after Scheifele was called for high-sticking Rasmus Andersson. Pavel Dorofeyev took advantage of the power play and scored his 20th of the season with the man-advantage to cut the Golden Knights lead to 5–2.

Eichel later scored his first power play goal of the season on the same power play to make the score 6–2 Golden Knights.

Vegas will face the Kraken in their final game of the regular season on Wednesday at 7pm with a chance to take over the division by gaining a point.

Cooper Krigbaum is a beat reporter covering the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas Hockey Now on SportsNut. He also told about Cooper Krigbaum

For several months, many have assumed the Las Vegas Raiders would take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But what will the New York Jets do with the No. 2 overall selection?

Then again, many expected the Jets to select freak athlete pass-rusher/linebacker Arvel Reese from Ohio State. Still, Jets general manager Darren Maugy isn’t planning on doing that on April 23, when the first round of the NFL Draft will take place.

according to Sports IllustratedAccording to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Jets may be leaning toward selecting a different pass-rusher, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, instead.

As mentioned, while Reese may have more overall range, Bailey is the player who is more polished right now. After winning only three games last season, the Jets are feeling the need to win now, and Bailey may be more equipped to do that right now than Reese.

So, if the Jets turn to Bailey, it opens up the question of how far Reese will fall, and how the decision made at the top will impact the remaining top picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. Reese likely won’t be available for long; His wait may also end at the next pick, where the Arizona Cardinals will be third. If not, the Tennessee Titans select fourth, and they could be tempted by superstar prospect Reese’s offer.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft: Trades that captured the first round of the NFL draft

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There have been rumors of the Cleveland Browns potentially trading for top star Myles Garrett for the past few years. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year had also requested his exit a year earlier before receiving an extension from the team.

While general manager Andrew Berry is saying the right things and claims he wants Garrett to finish his career in Cleveland, several NFL insiders still believe a deal is possible, including Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. On Friday, he made a reasonable case for why a trade should not be rejected and presented a compelling evidence.

“There was a recent contract amendment that delayed Garrett’s offseason option bonus deadline from the 15th of the league year in March to seven days before the start of the regular season,” Florio wrote. “Obviously, this allows the Browns to trade Garrett without paying the option bonus.”

A Myles Garrett trade is still in play, and it could potentially happen right before or during this month’s NFL Draft. If that were the case, let’s take a look at six teams that could use their draft assets to acquire the seven-time Pro Bowler.

dallas cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys still have a big hole at the pass rush after trading Micah Parsons just weeks before the start of the 2025 season. They’re hoping to fill that void with one of this year’s top pass-rushing prospects. However, Garrett is not only a proven commodity, but he is arguably the best pass rusher in the game.

The Cowboys have two picks in Round 1, and an owner/general manager in Jerry Jones is always ready to make a bold move. Could George Pickens be added to a potential deal to help make money? After how poorly we performed on that side of the ball last year, it would make more sense to pay one specific player on defense rather than pay big bucks to three players on offense (Pickens, CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott).

New York Jets

The New York Jets were a disaster last season and need all the help they can get. So having two first-round picks this season is a big plus. However, they are a team in a major market, and bringing in box office stars will always appeal to ownership.

However, they could opt to give the Browns just one of their selections in Round 1 and instead offer first-rounders in future years. Which is not a bad thing. The chance to have the No. 2 overall pick and two picks in the top six this month will certainly interest Cleveland.

pittsburgh steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a league-leading 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 21st overall selection. They still have a solid chunk of salary cap space (via Over The Cap) to use for Garrett’s contract.

The Steelers are not a franchise known for making big trades. And the Browns are unlikely to move Garrett within the division. But they may make an offer Cleveland can’t refuse. Such as their first picks in 2026 and 2027, plus five or six more picks this year. Pittsburgh has five selections in Rounds 3 and 4 later this month.

jacksonville jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are tied for the second-most selections in this year’s draft with 11. But the biggest issue with the trade proposal is that they don’t have a first-rounder this year. Plus, they lack notable cap space. However, for a team that isn’t that far away from becoming a serious force in the AFC, Garrett is a target you make risky moves for.

Might Cleveland be interested in a deal for their second and three first-rounders this year, as well as their first-rounder in 2027, as well as players like Brian Thomas and/or Travon Walker? It’s worth a try to get the Browns on the horn and find out.

philadelphia eagles

The NFL should be horrified at the thought of Myles Garrett on the Philadelphia Eagles. Although it seems impossible, general manager Howie Roseman can never be underestimated. And as a team in the title race, giving up a late first-rounder won’t be an issue. Additionally, adding a star receiver like AJ Brown to the deal would be a very interesting sweetener.

The Eagles trading for Garrett is a long shot, but it can’t be completely ruled out as they look to capture their second title in three years.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders could be a serious contender for a Myles Garrett trade on draft night. According to Over the Cap, he has the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft and approximately $50 million in cap space. After a surprising decline in 2025, Garrett is the superstar who can lead the Commanders back to the NFC Championship Game next season.

Washington has the resources and desperation to fight to make Cleveland a bold offer during the 2026 NFL Draft.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new report points to a “developmental” QB prospect the New York Jets are keeping a close eye on as a potential late-round pick in the NFL Draft.

The Jets QB situation has been a mess for over a decade. Since 2012, they have had countless different players under center, and the organization has used a lot of premium draft picks in an attempt to find a long-term fix for the position. The situation will remain the same in 2026 also.

A year ago, the Jets made a splash in free agency by signing former Chicago Bears starting QB Justin Fields. He was an unmitigated disaster that was finally dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs last month. This offseason, the team brought back former second-round pick Geno Smith in hopes of recapturing the form that made him a two-time Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks.

This step is yet another solution to a problem that needs a permanent solution. Jets fans would like them to use a pick on a quarterback from this year’s draft class later this month. However, the signal-caller class is weak. So if they used the pick on a QB this month, it would be in their best interest to take a Day 3 project that they can develop from.

Are the NY Jets taking a hard stance on drafting Drew Allar?

Well, according to ESPN Jets insider Rich Cimini, it looks like the team has an interesting option in mind. “Fourth [round],” Cimini wrote when asked when the team might select a QB. “Keep an eye on Drew Allar (Penn State), who recently had a private workout at the Jets’ facility. He is a developmental prospect with big size (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) and arm strength.

Allard bypassed entry into last year’s NFL Draft to try to lead Penn State to a national championship last season. Unfortunately, the Nittany Lions were, arguably, the biggest disappointment in college football last year. They started the season 3–3, and head coach James Franklin was fired in October.

To make matters worse, the Ohio native suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 6. So he didn’t get a chance to improve his draft stock or give evaluators more tape to evaluate. However, entering the 2025 season, many football experts thought Allar had Round 1 potential due to his size and arm strength.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The New York Jets have a big decision to make with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With quarterback Fernando Mendoza widely expected to be selected first by the Las Vegas Raiders, the Jets should already have a strong idea of ​​who they will select with their second pick.

With no other obvious first-round prospects worthy of a top-10 pick, the Jets are expected to focus on the best player available. For many draft experts, that player is Ohio State linebacker/pass-rusher Arvel Reese.

According to ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini, Reese is the “best fit” for the team at No. 2. Thanks to Reese’s positional versatility and overall upside, it’s on par with many others.

If the Jets are looking for an edge rusher, there are several options at No. 2. Possible options could include Reese, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, or Miami (FL)’s Reuben Benn Jr., who has drawn criticism for having arms shorter than 31 inches.

It doesn’t matter if the Jets are deciding between a pass-rusher at No. 2. It may just be a matter of deciding which one they like best. With less than three weeks left to make a decision, the Jets should be close to finalizing their decision.

RELATED: New York Jets linked to trade for young first-round receiver

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New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn wants Geno Smith to have a big season in 2026 and he’s trying to force it into existence with public praise of the quarterback.

In his first season as head coach, Glenn convinced NY Jets fans that free agent addition Justin Fields could finally reach his potential and become a star for Gang Green. Ultimately, the former Chicago Bears first-round pick had the worst season of his career and was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs this month to serve as their new QB2.

In 2026, the coaches will go with another new QB1. This time, it will be former Las Vegas Raiders starter Geno Smith. Unlike Fields, Smith has had success in the league and is a two-time Pro Bowler. However, he is still coming off a season where he went 2-13 and threw a league-leading 17 interceptions. Still, Glenn really wants NY Jets fans to believe that Smith can be a big difference maker next season.

“There’s something about a quarterback with a chip on his shoulder,” Glenn told SNY at an NFL meeting this week. “And he’s proven a lot with what he’s done in this league. Especially when you factor in his time in Seattle. He fits the bill perfectly with what we’re trying to do. We’ve created an identity. The foundation of our offense is great now.”

“… I just feel like he’s the guy that’s going to lead us to the promised land. The guy that’s going to touch the ball more than anybody else. I know he’s had his struggles. A lot of quarterbacks have their struggles.”

Aaron Glenn is entrusting his NY Jets future to Geno Smith

Could 2026 be a comeback season for Smith? It is definitely possible. He was playing behind, arguably, the NFL’s worst offensive line last season, and also has a Comeback Player of the Year award on his resume. However, this would also be an opinion that ignores the obvious.

Before turning his career around with the Seattle Seahawks, Smith was viewed as a draft bust who developed into a journeyman QB in the league. When he won CPOTY honors in 2022, he threw for 30 touchdowns. Since then he has not come even close to that number and last year his number was 19. Additionally, his interceptions have increased from 11 in 2022 to 17 last year.

If the NY Jets were to get Smith a year or two after his big season in 2022, perhaps he could fix the weaknesses of their offense and lead them back to relevance and a playoff run. However, he is four years away from having that career year and will turn 36 in October. An age point when even consistently good QBs start to decline in numbers.

There is far more evidence that Smith will be slightly better than the bad situation he was in 2025, rather than being back to being the player he was in 2022. Glenn is choosing to ignore the obvious, and it’s confusing him. This will likely cost him his job over the next eight months because he is creating expectations that the QB will not make it next season.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The New York Jets have a new offensive coordinator (Frank Reich) and a new starting quarterback (Geno Smith). Still, after allowing the fourth-fewest points in the NFL last season, it’s little surprise the Jets haven’t added a single wide receiver to a group that could use more proven playmakers.

However, Jets general manager Darren Maugy may be considering a trade for a veteran receiver who would be handed a starting role immediately. According to ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini, the Jets could still make a deal.

“Don’t sleep on the possibility of trading Maugi for a veteran,” Cimini said. “It’s already been an active offseason for wide receiver trades, and you’re talking about a GM who has traded 12 players in a little over a year. Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars), Rashod Bateman (Baltimore Ravens), Quentin Johnston (Los Angeles Chargers) and Dontavian Wicks (Green Bay Packers) have been mentioned as trade possibilities.”

Maugi has been an active participant in the trades. That’s how the Jets got Adonai Mitchell in the Sauce Gardner deal with the Colts last season.

Still, there’s no doubt the Jets could still use an upgrade to pair with Garrett Wilson and Mitchell. It’s possible that they will find someone soon.

However, some of the names listed above may not actually be available. It is questionable whether the Jaguars are willing to deal Thomas with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Still, a stronger offer could change Jacksonville’s mind.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

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After a year of searching for a new starting quarterback, the New York Jets had to find another starter this offseason. This time, they agreed to trade for Geno Smith, which cost New York only a sixth-round selection (they also received a seventh-round selection from Las Vegas).

Although the Jets were likely thrilled to trade for the former Pro Bowl QB at such a low rate, he reportedly was not New York’s first choice. He wasn’t even the first QB Jets general manager Darren Maugy tried to trade for this offseason.

According to ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini, New York previously attempted to trade for QB Tanner McKee from the Eagles. However, when Philadelphia informed them they were asking for a second-round pick in exchange for the previous sixth-round selection, the Jets hung up the phone.

Rumors have indicated that several teams have expressed interest in McKee in the past. However, the Eagles have always set a high price for a 25-year-old QB with only 88 career pass attempts.

McKee is in the final year of his rookie contract, so teams believe he could be available via trade. Still, he didn’t expect Philadelphia to ask for so much from a player with only two NFL starts to his name.

Thus, it was likely an easy decision for the Jets to look elsewhere, allowing them to retain their two prized second-round selections (Nos. 33 and 44). Plus, maybe now the Jets could turn around and use one of them on another potential future franchise QB.

RELATED: The New York Jets are closely evaluating several top QB prospects

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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

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A top NFL Draft expert just offered a quarterback who could be a late steal for teams like the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals next month.

Like every other year, many teams would love to find a potential franchise QB in April’s NFL Draft. Unfortunately, this year’s QB class is weak. The Las Vegas Raiders are set to use the No. 1 overall pick on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. After the Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama’s Ty Simpson is the next best QB on the board, and it’s debatable whether he’ll even go in Round 1.

That’s why many teams have been aggressive in acquiring veteran options that have become available over the past few weeks. However, teams like the NY Jets, Steelers, and Cardinals have situations where they need to consider using the pick on the signal-caller. But in a year with a heavy QB class, which player should they take and when?

Should the NY Jets or Steelers target Cole Payton in the NFL Draft?

Well, this week, veteran draft expert Todd McShay offered a low-cost, high-profit alternative. In a new social media post, he suggested that North Dakota State star Cole Payton is the lowest-rated QB in the entire draft.

“In conversations with NFL GMs, this is a one-of-a-kind guy,” he said, praising his timing and accurate passing. Additionally, he has a high ability to extend the play and make accurate throws under pressure. He added, “There’s a lot of unused stuff here.”

Former first-round picks Carson Wentz and Trey Lance are NDS alumni, and McShay believes Payton is the best QB prospect ever drafted by the university. The fifth-year senior had a career year in 2025, throwing for 2,719 yards and hitting 72% of his 225 passes. He also rushed for 777 yards and scored 29 total touchdowns.

Payton is expected to be a Day 3 pick and could fall as far as Round 7. He could be an interesting option for the NY Jets, Steelers and Cardinals as a project to develop this year.

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Let’s be honest, the New York Jets haven’t always made the best decisions. This is part of why he ‘earned’ the No. 2 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Last offseason, they decided to sign Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract, hoping that the former first-round pick could develop into the NFL’s next star quarterback after his original team released him. Only, Fields was not successful.

The 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft led the Jets to a 2-7 record before being traded for Tyrod Taylor. Now that the Jets have traded for former Pro Bowl quarterback in Geno Smith, Fields’ time with the organization may have run its course after one season.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Fields’ “status is very much up in the air” with the Jets.

That was the expectation in the offseason. Some are surprised the Jets haven’t already moved on from the five-year pro. Still, the only other quarterbacks on the Jets’ roster are Brady Cook (an undrafted rookie signed through 2025) and Bailey Zappé. In other words, if the Jets move on from Fields, they will want to find another quarterback or two to help replace him.

If the Jets move on from Fields this offseason, he may not get another chance to compete for a starting job this offseason. But perhaps he can find a role where he still sees the field as a situational player who is capable of helping teams with his legs in the gadget game.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

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While there is a lot of disappointment in New York Jets country over whether Geno Smith will be their starting quarterback next season, their former head coach Gang Green is trying to give fans hope about his potential in 2026.

“We should have prepared him better for things that happened, and that wouldn’t have happened,” Pete Carroll told ESPN’s Rich Cimini about Smith’s disappointing performance with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. “I take a lot of responsibility for that. We didn’t prepare him well in the offseason, even though he looked great and we thought we had everything ready. It was very, very disappointing for both of us.”

Carroll has seen the best of the 12-year veteran and was the head coach during Smith’s two Pro Bowl seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. That’s why, when he took over as the Raiders head coach last season, they asked the front office to make the 35-year-old their QB1 in 2025.

Pete Carroll blames terrible line play for Geno Smith’s performance in 2025

However, Smith had a difficult season as he threw for 19 touchdowns to 17 interceptions and was sacked a league-worst 55 times. Carroll claims that the lack of improvement on the offensive line played a huge role in Smith’s performance last year.

“Our aggressors have been killing us for the last few years,” Carroll said. ‘We needed to upgrade much more than that. It didn’t happen in the draft, and it didn’t happen in the offseason. We needed to buy a new line to at least give people a chance to be more competitive.

“The only reason you get sacked so many times is because you try to throw it too much. The whole thing didn’t work out right, and that’s why you saw the changeup and all that.”

There are definitely doubts about how much better the NY Jets O-line is than the Raiders. But if they give Smith better blocking in 2026, the former Jets head coach believes Gang Green has a very good player at the QB1 spot next season.

“He’s a phenomenal quarterback, he really is,” Carroll said.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

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.

RELATED: New York Jets linked to trade for All-Pro defender

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A new rumor from the New York Jets tells Gang Green fans they can expect more poor quarterback play in 2026.

The NY Jets have a lot of questions going into March about what they will do at the QB spot next season. A year ago, they made their first major move in free agency when they signed former first-round pick Justin Fields after a productive season in limited action with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Unfortunately, his six starts in 2024 proved foolish, and he was a disaster for the NY Jets last season. In his nine starts in 2025, the former Chicago Bears first-rounder threw for less than 100 yards four times.

This has led to months of speculation about how the team will address the situation in March. Will they use a draft pick in April on a QB prospect? Could they trade for a veteran signal-caller like Kyler Murray or Deshaun Watson? Or maybe they’ll invest money in another option in free agency?

According to Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, it’s likely they will attempt a trade to add a veteran QB in the coming weeks. But it won’t even come close to the big-name players who should be available.

NY Jets could target Davis Mills in the offseason

“Most of the narrative outside the league has centered around the team potentially trading for Kyler Murray. Yet people around the league tell me that if general manager Darren Maugy gets his way, the Jets will try to bring in a less-expensive signal caller, and two names continue to be included in the conversation: Tanner McKee and Davis Mills,” Pauline reports.

McKee was a sixth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 and has played in only six games during his three seasons in the NFL. He has played well in his two starts and has a 1-1 record. That includes a 20-13 win over the New York Giants in 2024, where he threw for 269 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Mills is a name that NY Jets fans will be more familiar with as he was thrust into the starting role for the Houston Texans during the 2021 and 2022 seasons after Watson was suspended following sexual assault allegations. His record as a starter is 8-19-1. However, he went 3-0 last season, including a 292-yard throwing day in a big win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in November.

Either way, a pair of veteran backups won’t excite NY Jets fans. A case can be made that no one is better than Fields, which means QB play for Gang Green could get even worse in 2026.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new rumor about a rival AFC team’s offseason plans gives the New York Jets a trio of QB trade options they could get for very cheap.

A year ago, the NY Jets thought they had reason to be optimistic about the 2025 NFL season. They completely cleaned out their management structure, hiring Darren Maugi as their new general manager, and bringing in one-time franchise star Aaron Glenn as their new head coach.

They then made one of the first major successes of the offseason when they signed former first-round pick Justin Fields after a productive season in limited action with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, his six starts in 2024 proved foolish, and he was a disaster for the NY Jets last season. Throwed for less than 100 yards in four of his nine starts.

This means the NY Jets should look at the QB market again this offseason. However, this year’s quarterback class in the draft is not good, so if they select one in April, he will likely be a late-round project. That leaves the free agent and trade market.

Browns may put QB on trade block soon

Unfortunately for New York, the free agent market is about as thin as the options in the NFL Draft. That means if the team adds a signal caller of note, it will likely be via a trade. And a new rumor has opened up three options.

According to cleveland.com Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, the team will “explore outside options, including Green Bay Packers backups Malik Willis and [Ty] Simpson” in the draft. If they add another player to their crowded QB room, that means the Browns will trade for one of Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, or Shadure Sanders.

The option to bring in any of the three probably won’t excite NY Jets fans, but the options for acquisitions this offseason are not bad. There are many reasons to believe that all three could be better in different situations. But, most importantly, with all of their low prices, Gang Green can get them in a trade for pretty cheap.

Making a case for the NY Jets to trade for Watson, Sanders, or Gabriel

Watson was once one of the most unappreciated in sports. However, he is in the final year of a massive $230 million deal through 2022. While he has been a disaster in Cleveland and is coming off double surgery on his Achilles, he is still a three-time Pro Bowler. If New York can pick up the 30-year-old on Day 3 and the Browns pick up half of his remaining contract, the Jets should consider it.

Watson will certainly be motivated to prove himself, to show that he is still a starting QB in the league and earn his next contract. The biggest issue in a deal may be the public relations fallout after the QB misses the 2021 season due to sexual assault allegations.

There were rumors prior to the 2025 NFL Draft that Sanders wanted to play in New York. The 24-year-old would be a perfect fit for Gotham and, at the very least, will get fans a little more excited about the 2026 season. As far as Gabriel is concerned, he still has a lot of potential. The Browns used a third-rounder on him, and he was a finalist for the 2024 Heisman Trophy.

Both could potentially be available for fifth-round picks and this is another low-cost option the NY Jets should consider this offseason.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

There are 31 franchise owners in the NFL. The Green Bay Packers are owned by a publicly held non-profit organization. Meanwhile, other teams like the New York Jets are owned by a man like Woody Johnson.

Of course, not all NFL team owners are the same. Johnson is known for interfering in his team’s football decisions, and has been highly criticized for this over the years.

Now, according to ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini, Johnson is back at it again. The Jets were close to hiring Don “Wink” Martindale as Glenn’s new defensive coordinator, but plans apparently changed after the job description also changed.

The Jets came close to hiring a highly respected and experienced defensive coordinator who had never called plays before. It’s a fairly significant change, but we can see why candidates like Martindale, who has been an NFL defensive coordinator for seven seasons, were no longer interested in the job, leaving the Jets to go to Brian Duker.

The Jets interviewed eight candidates for the position, but Duker got the job just one day after meeting with the team. Either way, it doesn’t matter, as Glenn plans to call the team’s defensive plays in 2026 anyway, but now he won’t have an experienced right hander to handle the duties if things go awry again in New York.

RELATED: Potential NFL rule change makes blockbuster trades more likely

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