At 2-8, the New York Jets‘ season is virtually over.
With a less than 1% chance to make the playoffs, all eyes have turned to 2026, and how New York can improve and give themselves a chance to break the longest postseason drought in professional sports.
ESPN recently put out an early offseason guide for every NFL team, and for the Jets, the instructions are quite clear.
Figure out the quarterback position, take care of running back Breece Hall’s contract situation, and address the interior of the offensive line.
“It’s clear that Justin Fields isn’t the guy at QB. Tyrod Taylor is also not the guy, plus he’s going to be 37 and a free agent,” wrote Aaron Schatz.
“The Jets are 30th in pass block win rate, and while their young first-round tackles aren’t going anywhere, John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker will be free agents on the inside.”
What to Do With Breece Hall
With star wide receiver Garrett Wilson missing time this season with a knee injury, running back Breece Hall has been the New York Jets’ best offensive player.
An impending free agent, he garnered a lot of interest at the trade deadline, and New York even turned down a fourth-round pick from the Kansas City Chiefs, per multiple reports.
Since they didn’t move on from their fourth-year running back, that should mean the Jets will be in the business of keeping Hall, right?
“By all indications, the Jets want to keep him after he drew heavy interest at the trade deadline. Hall, averaging a career-high 95 scrimmage yards per game, has proven his value to the team,” wrote Rich Cimini.
“As always, it will come down to the money. Hall could be looking for a deal around $10 to $12 million per year. The franchise tag projects at $14 million.”
If the Jets can’t come to terms on a multi-year extension with their former Iowa State standout, the franchise tag is likely.
New York did not trade Hall just to let him walk for nothing, and his abilities as a runner and a pass catcher will be vital for whoever is playing quarterback in 2026.
Since selecting Hall 36th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, he’s racked up nearly 4500 scrimmage yards and 25 total touchdowns.
Who’s Playing Quarterback?
Finally, Jason Reid predicted the New York Jets to find a way to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with their first-round pick.
“As a decisive pocket passer, the ball placement and quick decision-making of Mendoza would give the Jets a potential franchise signal-caller,” wrote Reid.
“He leads the FBS in passing touchdowns (30) and is fourth in Total QBR (88.7).”
Mendoza is widely regarded as the best quarterback in college football this year and is the current favorite to win the Heisman trophy.
The 22-year-old has received comparisons to Jared Goff throughout the season, a skillset that would fit nicely within the Jets’ Detroit Lions-based offensive scheme.
If New York addresses all of the issues pointed out in ESPN’s early offseason guide, they have a good chance of turning things around in 2026 and could be poised for their first winning record since 2015.
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