The New York Jets offseason plans took a hit on Wednesday, with Oregon QB Dante Moore announcing his decision to return to school. Moore was the favorite to go second in the NFL draft to the Jets, but now New York has to pivot to other directions.
Unfortunately for the Jets, there aren't any clear-cut quarterback options this offseason, with a weaker pool of draft prospects and free agents. The Jets need to essentially turn over their entire quarterback room, so they will most likely add multiple players to the position over the course of the offseason.
With that in mind, here's a look at six quarterbacks whom the Jets could add in 2026.
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6. Trinidad Chambliss
Mark J. Rebilas
The Jets hold two picks in the second round, including the first pick of the round, making it possible they select a quarterback on the second day of the draft. Chambliss was the hot name during the College Football Playoff, leading Ole Miss to two playoff wins and an appearance in the final four.
Chambliss' issues revolve around his size and age. The quarterback will be 24 during his rookie season and is listed at just 6-foot-1, which is a little smaller than NFL teams typically like their quarterbacks to be. His electric college ability may not necessarily translate to the NFL, but New York may take the chance nonetheless.
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5. Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals appear ready to move on from Murray, whose seven-year tenure with the team has fizzled. In 2025, Murray played a career-low five games while his relationship with the Cardinals soured and the team went 3-14.
The issue regarding Murray is his contract, as the quarterback has two years left on a five-year, $230 million extension. Arizona will probably want to trade him and get off of as much money as it can, but the Jets shouldn't be interested in taking on the contract.
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4. Ty Simpson
At one point, Simpson was considered to be a contender for the first QB taken in the draft, but a rough end to his season means he's more likely a second-round pick. Still, Simpson flashed NFL talent in his lone year as Alabama's starter, making it likely he goes high in this year's draft.
As was the case with Chambliss, Simpson could be a target for one of the Jets' picks in the second round, but Simpson if has a strong draft process, New York could take him with their second first-round pick at No. 16. Simpson does not have much experience, so he probably needs to sit a bit to start his NFL career.
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3. Mac Jones
Jones filled in admirably for the San Francisco 49ers when Brock Purdy got injured in 2025, producing a 5-3 record with 13 passing touchdowns. He has now started 63 games in the NFL and represents someone who could be a reclamation project for another team.
However, Jones is under contract for 2026, so the Jets would have to trade for him during the offseason. Of course, San Francisco could decide to keep him as Purdy's backup, or another team could decide to outbid the Jets for Jones in the Spring.
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2. Malik Willis
Willis is set to hit free agency at the right time, as his spot start with the Green Bay Packers showed he may be ready for a starting spot. He is just 26 years old, turning 27 in May, and is one of the youngest quarterbacks on the open market.
If the Jets go the Willis route, they will likely have to pay him a substantial contract similar or greater to what they gave Justin Fields last offseason. Several teams with quarterback openings will potentially pursue Willis, giving Willis the power of choice.
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1. Marcus Mariota
In reality, the Jets need a stable veteran at quarterback, and Marcus Mariota is the best bet in 2026. Mariota has started 82 games in his career, but has recently settled into a role as a backup quarterback who made spot starts due to injury.
In 2025, Mariota started eight games for the Washington Commanders, playing in 11 overall, and totaled 1,695 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions. His experience and backup-caliber floor makes him a safer option for the Jets.