The New York Jets‘ season is effectively over at 3-9, but there’s plenty to be excited about regarding the franchise’s future.
They have five first-round picks over the next two years and a relatively clean cap situation.
They should be primed to build their team under the supervision of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.
But with their recent string of success, including winning three of their last five games, they find themselves out of the top five in the 2026 draft, placing them just out of reach of the top quarterbacks.
Could the Jets wait until 2027 to select their next quarterback? Or will their hand be forced in 2026?
Rich Cimini Says Jets May Be Forced to Go QB in 2026
According to ESPN’s New York Jets insider Rich Cimini, the Jets brass may not have the luxury of waiting until the 2027 NFL Draft to select their quarterback.
“The NFL is an ASAP business, but there are several variables that will determine whether the Jets draft a QB in 2026 or kick the can down the road to 2027. Remember, they have three first-round picks in 2027, and that QB crop is said to be superior to the 2026 group,” wrote Cimini.
“Ultimately, it will likely come down to their level of conviction in players such as Mendoza, Moore and Simpson. Key question: Can coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey — both of whom will be under pressure to win in 2026 — afford to postpone their rebuild another season while they wait for a quarterback? That might be a stretch.”
The Jets own the unique disadvantage of having the longest playoff drought in the NFL, and it is entirely possible that owner Woody Johnson wouldn’t be interested in running back a regime with a losing record for two consecutive seasons.
Could the Jets be forced into trading up for one of Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore? It’s entirely possible.
But if they don’t fall in love with any of the signal callers of the 2026 draft, that’s enough of a reason to acquire a new bridge quarterback and use their capital to fill out other holes on the roster.
It’s a Good Year to Need a Wide Receiver
The New York Jets entered the 2025 season with one of the weakest receiving cores in the NFL.
Garrett Wilson is a bona fide No. 1 option, sure, but behind him were several journeymen vets such as Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, and Tyler Johnson.
Mougey did a good job of overhauling the room at the trade deadline, taking fliers on high-upside youngsters in John Metchie and Adonai Mitchell.
But they seem more like complementary pieces rather than a surefire No. 2 receiving option.
Lucky for them, it’s a great year to need a wideout, as the 2026 class is chock-full of NFL talent.
“It’s the strongest position of an otherwise not-great class. I think three guys could be top-10 picks — Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Carnell Tate (Ohio State) and Makai Lemon (USC),” said ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper.
“Injuries have complicated the WR1 race a bit, as both Tyson and Tate have missed time recently. But Lemon is the top slot receiver and one of my favorite prospects in the class. In all, we could see six receivers in Round 1, with Denzel Boston (Washington), Zachariah Branch (Georgia), Chris Bell (Louisville) and Germie Bernard (Alabama) in the mix.”
If the Jets want to punt on selecting a quarterback in 2026, they could supplement their offense with even more talent for the eventual rookie that is sure to be brought in.
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