The New York Jets had another miserable season in 2025. The team finished with a 3-14 record, which was tied for the worst mark in the league.
As a result, the team is slated to have the second pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As has been the case for much of the team's history, quarterback is at the top of the needs list once again.
This isn't considered to be the deepest quarterback class, but Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore are considered the top prospects. Mendoza is the heavy favorite to go first, meaning the Jets could be in position to select Moore.
However, Stephen A. Smith recently suggested that Moore should do whatever he can to avoid going to the Jets.
"I'd go back to college before I play for the Jets. They are a football atrocity. They are awful," Smith bluntly expressed.
Some people took exception to Smith's comments, including one Jets reporter.
Jets reporter calls out Stephen A. Smith for Jets diss
SNY's Connor Hughes strongly disagreed with Smith's take that Moore should avoid the Jets.
“It’s beyond lazy to suggest anyone should advise a rookie QB to avoid the Jets,” wrote Hughes.
The analyst then posted a video explaining his reasons for the Jets actually being a decent landing spot for a rookie quarterback.
"Of the teams that are interesting in a quarterback selecting in the top ten, there is not a team that presents a better opportunity for a rookie quarterback to find success and develop than the Jets," Hughes countered.
Hughes then pointed to some elite offensive weapons like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, as well as a solid offensive line. Hughes also mentioned the hefty amount of cap space the Jets are projected to have at their disposal this offseason.
"It's factually not correct and it's simply a lazy take," Hughes said of Smith's comments.
It's certainly true that the Jets do have some things in their favor, but it's also hard to ignore the history.
Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, Sam Darnold, and Geno Smith are just some of the quarterbacks who have failed to develop with the Jets. Even future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers failed to find success with the franchise.
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