Jets Predicted to Make Bold QB Trade Despite Geno Smith Deal

New York may need to get creative to find a young QB starter after missing out on Ty Simpson in the draft.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:48pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a quarterback in motion, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives capturing the dynamic nature of the position.The Jets' search for a long-term quarterback solution takes a cubist turn as the team explores creative trade options.New Orleans Today

The New York Jets are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position after trading for Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders. With no clear-cut options worth taking early in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets may have to pivot to a different quarterback plan, potentially through a trade for a young signal-caller like Spencer Rattler, Tanner McKee, Mac Jones, or Davis Mills.

Why it matters

The Jets' quarterback situation is a crucial piece of their roster as they look to build a contender. If they are unable to land a promising young QB prospect in the draft, a trade could be an aggressive but necessary move to try to resolve their QB woes and provide competition for Geno Smith.

The details

The Jets' deal for Geno Smith from the Raiders was a low-cost move, but without a clear-cut QB option worth taking early in the draft, the team may need to get creative. Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski predicts the Jets could swing another QB trade this offseason, potentially targeting players like Spencer Rattler, Tanner McKee, Mac Jones, or Davis Mills if they miss out on Alabama's Ty Simpson.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Geno Smith

The quarterback acquired by the Jets from the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ty Simpson

The Alabama quarterback prospect the Jets may target in the draft.

Spencer Rattler

The New Orleans Saints quarterback who could be a trade target for the Jets.

Tanner McKee

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback who could be a trade target for the Jets.

Mac Jones

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback who could be a trade target for the Jets.

Davis Mills

The Houston Texans quarterback who could be a trade target for the Jets.

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What they’re saying

“As part of the cascading effect with the Arizona Cardinals potentially moving up for Ty Simpson and the New York Jets finding themselves as a squad possibly without a young quarterback for the team's starting job, general manager Darren Mougey will need to get creative.”

— Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report

What’s next

The Jets will monitor the 2026 NFL Draft and look for opportunities to trade for a young quarterback if they are unable to land Ty Simpson or another top prospect.

The takeaway

The Jets' quarterback situation remains a work in progress, and they may need to be aggressive in the trade market to find a long-term solution if they miss out on top draft prospects. This offseason could see the team make another bold move to try to resolve their QB woes.