Jason Burgos
A new report suggests the New York Jets‘ alleged interest in quarterback prospect Ty Simpson may all be part of a scheme to trick a rival team into trading them extra draft picks.
There is no doubt that the Jets need help at the quarterback position. It has been a problem for a long time, and nothing has changed in 2026. They spent a solid chunk of money last year when they signed Justin Fields in free agency. He ended up being a disaster and was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs last month.
This offseason, they are hoping that Geno Smith can fix the issue in the short-term. But taking a QB prospect in next week’s NFL Draft would seem like a better option. That is why, despite a weak quarterback class this year, the Jets have been linked to Alabama’s Ty Simpson with their second pick in Round 1, or their selection in Round 2.
They have scouted him closely, and some football evaluators believe he is better than the player expected to go No. 1 overall, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. However, the Jets’ fascination with Simpson may not be legitimate, according to NFL Draft expert Todd McShay.
New York Jets playing draft games with the Arizona Cardinals?
In a Friday post, he claims the “plan all along” for the Jets is to get a young QB in the 2027 draft. And while he thinks they could select Simpson with their pick at 33, he added, “I honestly think the Jets could be putting that out there because they want Arizona to go up and get him.”
McShay speculates and projects the Cardinals might be willing to give up a fourth-rounder to move up one spot from 34 to 33 so they can make sure they get Simpson. Arizona also has a messy situation at QB, especially after cutting long-time starter Kyler Murray this offseason.
If the Jets are only willing to use a Day 3 pick on Simpson, it’s a very clever play by the front office to make it seem like they could use a Day 1 or 2 selection on him so they can move down spot in Round 2 and get an extra fourth-round pick.
