Andrew Buller-Russ
Early in the offseason, New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey identified quarterback as the team’s biggest weakness. Rumors already suggested Justin Fields was on the outs, long before the Jets traded him to the Chiefs.
Early on in free agency, the Jets did find their new starting quarterback by trading for Geno Smith from the Raiders. But Smith is 35, and he’s only signed through the 2026 season. By 2027, the Jets will need another new starting quarterback again.
Yet, not only did the Jets bring in Smith to potentially be a bridge starter, but they’re also identifying possible long-term solutions at QB, too.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets’ GM recently met with Miami (FL) QB prospect Carson Beck. The following day, Mougey watched closely as Beck went through his Miami Pro Day. Yet, this isn’t just an infatuation with Beck; the Jets are vetting other QB prospects, too.
SNY’s Jets insider Connor Hughes reports that the Jets also held a private workout with Penn State QB Drew Allar. Multiple Jets officials watched as Allar made a series of throws to his receivers with the Nittany Lions.
Neither quarterback is viewed as a first-round prospect. However, they’re both in the next class of QBs who could get selected outside of the first round. With a total of nine draft selections, the Jets have plenty of ammo to move around and get their guy. Just don’t expect it to happen with the second overall pick in the first round.
New York also possesses the 16th, 33rd, and 44th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. After that, they don’t have a selection until 103. Thus, either the Jets will have their potential future QB once they’re done making their pick at 44, or they could target a trade that secures one a bit later on.
Chances are, the QB they want won’t still be available at 103. With an aging veteran who’s coming off 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 First Wave of Free Agency
