Jets Predicted to Add Talented Young QB to Bolster Future

ESPN's Matt Miller projects Alabama's Ty Simpson as the Jets' second-round pick in 2026 NFL Draft

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:10am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the motion of a quarterback throwing a pass, with the player's body and the football broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The Jets' potential selection of Alabama QB Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft could be a pivotal move in the team's quest to find its next franchise quarterback.Pasadena Today

The New York Jets have struggled in recent years but are heading in the right direction after making several key trades and acquisitions. ESPN's NFL Draft expert Matt Miller predicts the Jets will select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, allowing him to develop behind current starter Geno Smith before potentially taking over as the team's future franchise QB.

Why it matters

The Jets have been searching for a long-term solution at quarterback for years, and adding a talented young passer like Simpson could help solidify their future at the position. While the team may consider trading up to secure Simpson's fifth-year option, Miller believes it would be wiser to wait and select him in the second round, where he is projected to fall due to concerns about his decision-making.

The details

ESPN's Matt Miller projected the Jets to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 33rd overall pick in his 2026 NFL mock draft. Miller believes the Jets could consider trading up to grab Simpson in the first round to secure his fifth-year option, but notes that would require trading away valuable 2027 draft capital that the team may want to preserve. Instead, Miller thinks the Jets can wait and select Simpson in the second round, allowing him to sit and develop behind current starter Geno Smith before potentially taking over as the team's franchise QB.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April/May 2026.

The players

Ty Simpson

A talented young quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is projected to be selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Geno Smith

The current starting quarterback for the New York Jets, who could mentor Ty Simpson for a year or two before potentially handing over the reins of the team.

Matt Miller

An ESPN NFL Draft expert who put together a full seven-round mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft, projecting the Jets to select Ty Simpson in the second round.

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What they’re saying

“There could be calls for the Jets to trade up into Round 1 to secure a fifth-year option on Simpson, but trading away picks in the 2027 draft, which is expected to be the most talent-rich in recent history, wouldn't be smart.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN NFL Draft Expert

What’s next

The Jets will have to evaluate their options at quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, including whether to trade up to select Ty Simpson in the first round or wait to select him in the second round as projected by ESPN's Matt Miller.

The takeaway

The Jets' selection of Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft, whether in the first or second round, would represent a significant investment in their long-term future at the quarterback position as they look to find their next franchise signal-caller to lead the team back to success.