Penn State QB Drew Allar Visits Jets as They Seek Quarterback Depth

The Jets have had 16 different starting quarterbacks since 2013, and are looking to add depth behind Geno Smith.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:35pm

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Former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar recently visited the New York Jets as the team looks to add depth at the quarterback position. The Jets have had a revolving door at the position in recent years, with 16 different starting quarterbacks since 2013. Allar is not expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the Jets could look to develop him as a late-round prospect.

Why it matters

The Jets' quarterback situation has been in flux for years, and they are hoping to find a long-term solution to back up Geno Smith. Allar's visit suggests the team is interested in adding a developmental quarterback, but his fit with the Jets' coaching staff and system remains to be seen.

The details

Allar, who had a standout career at Penn State, recently completed the NFL Scouting Combine and his school's Pro Day. The Jets hosted Allar for one of their 30 pre-draft visits, according to reports. The team's quarterback room currently includes Smith, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe, with Tyrod Taylor set to become a free agent.

  • Allar visited the Jets over the weekend of March 22, 2026.
  • The Jets have had 16 different starting quarterbacks since Geno Smith's first stint as a starter in 2013-14.

The players

Drew Allar

A former quarterback at Penn State who is preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Geno Smith

The Jets' current starting quarterback, who is looking to solidify his role with the team.

New York Jets

An NFL team that has struggled to find stability at the quarterback position in recent years, and is looking to add depth behind Geno Smith.

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What they’re saying

“It will be interesting to see what the team's plans are at backup QB. Finally, GM Darren Mougey has kept his financial flexibility and draft capital while addressing immediate need. There is NO team in the league more equipped to make a sizeable dent in the next two NFL drafts than the Jets.”

— Eric Allen, Reporter

What’s next

The Jets will continue to evaluate their quarterback options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, and could look to select Allar or another developmental prospect in a later round.

The takeaway

The Jets' visit with Drew Allar highlights their ongoing search for a long-term solution at the quarterback position. While Allar may not be a first-round pick, the Jets' history of quarterback instability could make him an intriguing late-round option as the team looks to build depth behind Geno Smith.