The New York Jets are heading into the final two weeks of the 2025 NFL season with their eyes around the league. With their eyes on a franchise quarterback, the 2026 NFL Draft order is of utmost importance to the Jets.
With the New York Giants currently holding the top pick in the draft, and their lack of need for a franchise quarterback due to Jaxson Dart, the Jets have a chance to execute a trade up if the Giants have the number 1 overall pick by draft night.
However, according to SNY reporter Connor Hughes, the Jets won't have an easy road to the top pick. The Jets, reportedly, would need to pay a premium to swing a trade with the Giants to move up to number 1 overall.
Jets get bad news on trade chances with Giants for 2026 NFL Draft
"If the Giants have 1, and the packages are close," Hughes writes, "they won't go Jets. Jets will need to pay a premium."
The Giants currently have the top pick, and their Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders could all but cement their status atop the 2026 NFL Draft.
If such a scenario happens, and the Giants have the first overall pick, then the Jets could have a chance to make a trade for the top quarterback in the draft class.
However, any other team vying for that top pick, regardless of whether it's the Raiders or another organization, will have a leg up on the Jets in trade talks.
More: Jets receive warning from NFL Draft expert on franchise QB search
If the Jets' offer is similar to that of another team, the Giants will not take the Jets' offer, going with the other similar offer. That means, if the Jets want to trade up to number 1 overall, they'll need to give up a premium return.
This is some concerning news for the Jets, as they are at a big risk of missing out on their top quarterback, likely Fernando Mendoza, in the 2026 NFL Draft.
There's still a chance that the Jets can land the top pick, putting all of these concerns to rest. But, with the Raiders and Giants the favorites, the Jets' path to the top pick is very slim.
Even if the Giants land it and are open to a trade, the Jets will face an uphill battle to swing a deal. This report paints a bleak picture for Mougey and Glenn's chances of finding their franchise quarterback this offseason without paying a premium.
More Jets News:
- Jets' Aaron Glenn reveals why defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was fired
- Jets agree to $11 million extension with core offensive lineman
- Jets make unfathomable NFL history for 15th straight game
- Jets likely to part ways with brother of Quinnen Williams in offseason
- Jets reportedly make Aaron Glenn coaching decision for 2026 season
- Justin Fields makes concerning statement when asked about future with Jets