Jason Burgos
The lone positive from the New York Jets‘ ugly three-win season in 2025 was landing the No. 2 overall pick in this month’s NFL Draft. While it’s not the top pick, the team could still get the best player in the 2026 class because the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Fernando Mendoza — the best QB in a week quarterback class — at No. 1.
For weeks, the Jets have been projected to take either Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Ohio State star Arvell Reese. However, there is another option, and that is to use their very valuable selection in a trade to accumulate extra picks and address more needs, or get a proven star from a rival team. Especially since they have a second selection in Round 1 (No. 16).
With that in mind, let’s look at four bold trades the Jets could make with the No. 2 pick in next week’s NFL Draft.
Trade for Maxx Crosby
One of the big surprises from this offseason was the Baltimore Ravens backing out of their blockbuster trade for five-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby. That deal would have seen the Raiders land a pair of first-round draft picks, including the 16th pick next week.
If Las Vegas still wanted to move Crosby, they are unlikely to get two firsts after the pass rusher’s medical records concerned the Ravens’ medical team. However, getting the No. 2 pick, as well as the Jets’ extra picks in Rounds 2 and 4, and a third in 2027, could intrigue the Raiders. It would allow Las Vegas to get the QB they need at one and possibly the best player in this year’s class at two.
Trade for Kansas City Chiefs picks at No. 9 & 29
With a current streak of 15 years outside the playoffs and coming off a 3-win year, the Jets need all the elite and affordable prospects they can get. That is why they could consider a deal where they gave up their pick at two for the Kansas City Chiefs‘ two first-rounders (No. 9 and 29).
With the pick at nine, they could go after a top corner like LSU’s Mansoor Delane 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 is why using their pick at No. 2 and going after an elite weapon like Cincinnati Bengals superstar receiver Ja’Marr Chase should be in play.
The Bengals are a mess and have a ton of money invested in three players on offense. While they would prefer to keep Chase, he is the best trade asset they might consider moving. It would give them two picks in the top 10 and the chance to replace star pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson.
Trade for Dallas Cowboys Picks at No. 12 & 20
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the other teams in the first round that have a pair of picks. Jerry Jones would likely fall over himself to move up to the No. 2 overall pick. Because of the value, New York could get Dallas’ picks at 12 and 20, as well as something on Day 3 of the event.
In such a deal, the Jets could use a second pick at 12 to go after a top offensive lineman like Kadyn 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.
