Jets Analyst Suggests QB as Key Draft Need

Despite recent QB moves, Jets may still look to add signal-caller in 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:20am

A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes, abstractly representing a football game or quarterback action, without any recognizable figures or text.A cubist interpretation of the Jets' quarterback situation captures the fragmented nature of their search for a long-term solution at the position.Kansas City Today

The New York Jets have made several offseason moves at quarterback, including trading for Geno Smith and shipping Justin Fields to Kansas City. However, one analyst believes the Jets should still target a QB in the upcoming draft, with the team's current QB room consisting of Smith, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe - 'hardly a long-term solution at the position'.

Why it matters

The Jets' quarterback situation remains a hot topic, as the team looks to find a long-term solution at the position. While they've made some moves, the analyst suggests the Jets may still need to address QB in the draft, potentially looking to the later rounds for a prospect like Carson Beck.

The details

Sports Illustrated's Mike Kadlick believes the Jets should be one of five teams that 'shouldn't leave the NFL Draft without adding a quarterback.' Kadlick notes the Jets' current QB room behind Smith is not a 'long-term solution.' The question is whether the Jets would target a QB early, like Ty Simpson, or look to the later rounds for a prospect like Beck.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Geno Smith

The Jets' current starting quarterback, acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Brady Cook

A quarterback currently on the Jets' roster.

Bailey Zappe

A quarterback currently on the Jets' roster.

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect who could be an early-round target for the Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Carson Beck

A quarterback prospect who could be a later-round target for the Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“The Jets have made a handful of moves at quarterback so far this offseason, trading with the Raiders for Geno Smith before shipping Justin Fields off to Kansas City. Behind Smith, New York's quarterback room currently consists of Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe—hardly a long-term solution at the position.”

— Mike Kadlick, Sports Illustrated Analyst

What’s next

The Jets will continue to evaluate their quarterback options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they may look to add a signal-caller to develop behind Geno Smith.

The takeaway

The Jets' quarterback situation remains a work in progress, as the team looks to find a long-term solution at the position. While they've made some moves this offseason, one analyst believes they should still target a QB in the upcoming draft, whether early or in the later rounds.