The New York Jets are in dire need of a new franchise quarterback. Justin Fields and the $40 million experiment failed. Tyrod Taylor is a bridge quarterback at best, and Brady Cook is an undrafted free agent quarterback who struggled in his NFL debut.
Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey must add a new quarterback this offseason, and in the NFL Draft at the start of the first round is their best bet. However, it might not be easy to land a franchise QB.
According to NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic, this QB class is going to be a shallow one. In response to concerns that the 2026 QB draft class might be thin, Brugler emphasized that it won't "might" be thin; it definitely will be.
Jets receive warning from NFL Draft expert on 'thin' QB class
Brugler wrote, "Can go ahead and delete 'might'," in response to Hayden Winks of UnderdogNFL's comment about how the "QB class might be real thin."
Fernando Mendoza is likely declaring for the NFL Draft, but after him, there is significant uncertainty. LaNorris Sellers is going back for another year, and Dante Moore might choose to do the same. That would leave Mendoza as likely the only first-round QB in the 3026 NFL Draft.
With a thin draft class at the most important position for the Jets, having a strong draft pick will be paramount. But the Jets face an uphill, or rather, a downhill battle to land that top spot.
At 3-10, the Jets have one of the worst records in the NFL, but the Cleveland Browns, who need a quarterback, are also 3-10. The Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and Washington Commanders are all 3-10 as well.
While the Saints and Commanders might pass on QB in 2026, the Cardinals are a wild-card and could part with Kyler Murray for a new QB if they fall in love with the top option.
More: Jets predicted to make blockbuster trade to land hopeful franchise QB
The biggest issue for the Jets, however, is the 2-11 teams. The New York Giants have Jaxson Dart, so the Jets don't have to worry about them taking a QB. Same with the Tennessee Titans, as Cam Ward was the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, the quarterback-needy Las Vegas Raiders are 2-11 and would be clear suitors for Mendoza. The Jets would need the Raiders to win another game down the stretch, and then would likely need to swing a trade.
With a clear need at the quarterback position, the Raiders pose the biggest challenge for the Jets in landing a new quarterback. Brugler's warning is reminiscent of the Trevor Lawrence situation. A win could have the Jets miss out on a franchise QB.
While Glenn isn't going to tank, losing out and securing the top pick would be a huge boon for the organization. It's a thin QB class, and getting the highest pick will be paramount to the Jets setting themselves up for success in the future.
More Jets News:
- Will Garrett Wilson return in Week 15? Latest injury updates on New York Jets WR
- Jets lose to Dolphins, extend longest active playoff draught in major U.S. Sports
- Who is Brady Cook? Meet Jets' backup QB after Tyrod Taylor's injury
- Jets predicted to trade up in 2026 NFL Draft for Heisman hopeful quarterback
- Jets' latest news on Garrett Wilson's return from injury leaves some mystery
- Jets make NFL touchdown history not seen in over a decade