Should Jets Draft a QB In 2026 or Wait Until 2027?

The New York Jets spent a historic NFL Trade Deadline Day positioning themselves to eventually draft their quarterback of the future. General manager Darren Mougey traded defensive superstars Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, collectively acquiring three future first-round picks, an additional second-rounder, and two young players. The Jets can now assess quarterback options in 2026 and 2027 before making a decision.

Gardner was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Williams was sent to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-round selection, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The Jets now have two first-round picks in 2026 and three more in 2027.

The initial expectation is that the Jets are positioned to select a quarterback during the 2026 NFL Draft. That doesn't necessarily have to be the case. Mougey is equipped with the ammo required to control the next two drafts.

The live 2026 NFL Draft order has the Jets slated to draft at No. 3 overall. With their ongoing rebuild in full teardown mode following the Gardner and Williams trades, the 1-7 Jets are in a legitimate race with the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans, fellow one-win teams, to claim the top pick.

The 2026 draft could possess a bunch of high-upside quarterbacks, though none are slam-dunks at No. 1 overall in November. Alabama's Ty Simpson, Oregon's Dante Moore, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, and South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers are potential top-five picks.

If the Jets earn the No. 1 selection and become smitten with one of the above quarterback prospects throughout the pre-draft process, they can stick-and-pick. They'd then possess four additional 2026 and 2027 first-round picks to surround that quarterback with talent.

If the Jets win a few games throughout 2025 and select in the No. 3-5 range, Mougey possesses the capital required to make an aggressive trade-up. The Jets' capital provides them with options.

Don't underestimate the possibility that the Jets wait until the 2027 NFL Draft to select their quarterback. That's when they're equipped with the majority (three) of their upcoming first-round picks. It's worth noting that all four quarterback prospects mentioned earlier—Mendoza, Moore, Simpson, and Sellers—all have eligibility beyond the current season. Generational receiver prospects Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith are also 2027 draft-eligible.

If one or multiple of those quarterbacks return to school, the 2027 NFL Draft may be considered stacked at quarterback. Remember that Texas' Arch Manning, Nebraska's Dylan Raiola, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, Notre Dame's CJ Carr, and others could factor into that conversation. It would require improvement from them, but a lot can change in a year.

This approach would require the Jets to acquire a bridge veteran this offseason. Justin Fields is technically under contract for another season, but it's difficult to imagine the Jets running it back with him. Tua Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson, Marcus Mariota, and even Geno Smith could be among the short-term solutions available.

The Jets are loaded with 2026 and 2027 draft capital. Mougey will draft his franchise quarterback when he deems appropriate. The overwhelming expectation is that it'll occur in April, but don't be stunned if the Jets wait until 2027.