Jets Target QBs in 2026 NFL Draft

New York Jets look to find their future signal caller in the upcoming draft

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:24pm

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The New York Jets are in need of a long-term solution at quarterback after struggling with Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor last season. They made a trade for Geno Smith to be their starter this year, but the team is looking to the 2026 NFL Draft to find their quarterback of the future. The article outlines one quarterback prospect the Jets could target in each round of the draft, including Alabama's Ty Simpson in the 1st, Penn State's Drew Allar in the 2nd, Miami's Carson Beck in the 4th, North Dakota State's Cole Payton in the 5th, and Clemson's Cade Klubnik in the 7th.

Why it matters

The Jets have had instability at the quarterback position for several seasons, and finding a long-term answer is crucial for the team's future success. This draft class provides the Jets with an opportunity to address this need and set themselves up for sustained success in the coming years.

The details

The Jets are targeting several quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Alabama's Ty Simpson as a potential 1st round pick, Penn State's Drew Allar as a 2nd round option, Miami's Carson Beck in the 4th round, North Dakota State's Cole Payton in the 5th, and Clemson's Cade Klubnik in the 7th. Each of these prospects has their own strengths and weaknesses, but the Jets are hoping to find a future franchise quarterback in this class.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Drew Allar

A quarterback prospect from Penn State University who is considered the third-best quarterback in the 2026 draft class.

Carson Beck

A quarterback prospect from the University of Miami who could be a late-round option for the Jets.

Cole Payton

A quarterback prospect from North Dakota State University who has the potential to be a boom-or-bust pick for the Jets in the 5th round.

Cade Klubnik

A quarterback prospect from Clemson University who could be a late-round flier for the Jets in the 7th round.

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What’s next

The Jets will continue to evaluate these quarterback prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, and they may also explore trade options or free agent signings to address their needs at the position.

The takeaway

The Jets are clearly making quarterback a priority in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they look to find a long-term solution at the position. While they have some intriguing options, it remains to be seen if they will be able to land a true franchise quarterback in this class.