Jets GM Darren Mougey Keeping QB Plans Close to Vest

Discusses Geno Smith trade, Ty Simpson visit, and potential moves out of No. 2 pick

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:40am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football quarterback in a fractured, geometric style, with sharp planes of green, blue, and brown representing the team's multi-faceted approach to the position.The Jets' GM keeps his quarterback plans fragmented and open-ended as the team evaluates its options ahead of the NFL Draft.Phoenix Today

In his first public remarks of the offseason, New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey discussed the team's quarterback situation, including the trade to reacquire veteran Geno Smith as the starter, a visit with Alabama QB Ty Simpson, and the possibility of trading out of the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Jets' quarterback plans are a major focus as they look to build on last season's improvement. Mougey's comments provide insight into the team's thinking as they evaluate their options at the position and in the draft.

The details

Mougey said the Jets had 'good discussions' about the Geno Smith trade and felt he would be a 'good fit' for their plans moving forward. He also acknowledged the team could potentially add another quarterback to the roster before the draft. Regarding Ty Simpson, Mougey said the Jets had a 'good visit' with the Alabama QB and 'really enjoyed the time' evaluating him, though he didn't commit to taking him with the No. 2 pick. Mougey also left open the possibility of trading out of the No. 2 spot, saying 'we'll always pick up the phone' on potential deals.

  • The Jets' meetings to build their draft board will begin next week back at 1 Jets Drive.
  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April.

The players

Darren Mougey

The general manager of the New York Jets, who is overseeing the team's quarterback plans and potential moves in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Geno Smith

A 13-year veteran quarterback who the Jets reacquired in a trade and have named as their starter for the 2023 season.

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who the Jets recently visited and evaluated as a potential high draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“We feel good about the quarterback room, but we could potentially add another guy to the room before the draft. We'll see where that goes, but we'll monitor that quarterback market and see where we're at.”

— Darren Mougey, Jets General Manager

“We had a good visit with Ty. We really enjoyed the time down there. We went to dinner, had a workout with him. It was good.”

— Darren Mougey, Jets General Manager

“We'll go through this draft process, really build the board. The calls typically don't happen until we get closer to the draft. But we'll always pick up the phone.”

— Darren Mougey, Jets General Manager

What’s next

The Jets will continue their draft preparations, including meetings next week to build their draft board, as they evaluate their options at quarterback and throughout the roster ahead of the late April draft.

The takeaway

Mougey's comments suggest the Jets are keeping their options open at quarterback, willing to explore trades and add competition to the position, as they look to build on last season's improvement and find the right long-term solution under center.