The New York Jets will be in the market for a new quarterback in 2026; that much is clear.
It remains to be seen which route they'll go to acquire one, though. With their treasure trove of draft capital, they could trade for a veteran and go for another bridge quarterback in 2026.
But in all likelihood, the Jets will take another swing at a rookie with one of their first-round picks in next April's draft.
ESPN predicts the Jets will trade up to the No. 1 overall pick in 2026
In Matt Miller's latest mock draft for ESPN, he has the Jets trading up to the No. 1 overall pick with the Tennessee Titans and selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
"Jets general manager Darren Mougey didn't load up on draft capital by trading away Gardner and Williams to watch teams pick quarterbacks ahead of him. So I had the Jets aggressively move up for Mendoza, a pocket passer with great touch and timing who can carve up a defense with surgical accuracy while providing enough mobility to execute on the move," wrote Miller.
"Mendoza might not be in Caleb Williams' class in terms of top QB prospects over the past five years, but he's the best in this class and the Jets have to take swing at the position. Justin Fields was just benched, and Tyrod Taylor isn't the long-term answer. Mendoza's 30 touchdown passes to five interceptions shows how careful he is with the football."
Mendoza would be New York's latest first-round attempt at finding their franchise quarterback, the more recent ones being Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson.
The fact of the matter is, the Jets haven't had a quarterback start more than five consecutive seasons for them since Chad Pennington in the mid-2000s, and Mendoza gives them their best chance at finding their franchise guy than any other option available to them in 2026.
We'll see if Miller accurately gauges how aggressive the Jets will be when pursuing a quarterback.
More Jets news:
- Potential Justin Fields landing spot has him learning behind a former league MVP
- NFC North team tabbed as potential landing spot for benched Justin Fields
- Justin Fields' current and former Buckeye teammate reacts to Jets benching
- Jets could have up to $57 million in dead cap from two players not on roster in 2026
- Jets insider reveals need for Justin Fields' benching with an eye on 2026
- Jets analyst tabs veteran quarterback option that 'makes sense' for 2026