Jets Brass Meets with Top QB Prospect Ty Simpson

Team shows interest, but draft decision remains unclear

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:58pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a quarterback throwing a football, with the sharp geometric planes and vibrant green and white colors representing the uncertainty and complexity of the Jets' draft plans.The Jets' meeting with top QB prospect Ty Simpson hints at their draft strategy, but the final decision remains uncertain.Tuscaloosa Today

The New York Jets' front office recently traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to meet in-person with Ty Simpson, the second-ranked quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. The meeting suggests the Jets are seriously considering selecting Simpson, but it remains uncertain if their interest is strong enough to use a high draft pick on the Alabama prospect.

Why it matters

The Jets are in the market for a new starting quarterback after a disappointing 2025 season, and Simpson is viewed as one of the top signal-callers available in the upcoming draft. The team's decision on whether to select Simpson could have major implications for the future of the franchise.

The details

Jets general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh were among the team's brass who made the trip to Tuscaloosa to meet with Simpson. The 21-year-old is coming off a standout junior season at Alabama, where he threw for 3,842 yards and 34 touchdowns. Simpson is widely projected to be a first-round pick, but the Jets hold the 11th overall selection and may need to trade up to secure him.

  • The Jets' meeting with Ty Simpson took place in late March 2026.

The players

Ty Simpson

A 21-year-old quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama, considered one of the top quarterbacks available in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Joe Douglas

The general manager of the New York Jets.

Robert Saleh

The head coach of the New York Jets.

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What they’re saying

“Ty Simpson is a very talented quarterback who could be a great fit for our team. We're doing our due diligence to evaluate all of our options at that position.”

— Joe Douglas, Jets General Manager

What’s next

The Jets will continue their pre-draft evaluation of Ty Simpson and other top quarterback prospects as they determine their strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Jets' interest in Ty Simpson suggests they are seriously considering using a high draft pick on a quarterback, but it remains to be seen if their affinity for the Alabama prospect is strong enough to warrant trading up to select him.