The Jets are reportedly planning to replace Justin Fields with a quarterback who threw 34 touchdowns in 2026.

Bryce Lazenby

Jets predicted to move on from Justin Fields in favor of 34-TD star in 2026  image

TL;DR

  • The New York Jets, with a 2-9 record, are expected to draft a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • PFSN's Jacob Infante projects the Jets to select Oregon quarterback Dante Moore with the fourth overall pick.
  • Moore has shown significant development in 2025 with strong throwing ability and impressive stats for Oregon.
  • The Jets are seeking a future quarterback to mentor under head coach Aaron Glenn.

Not much has gone right for the New York Jets in 2025. 

Despite optimistic expectations with the additions of Justin Fields at quarterback and Aaron Glenn as head coach, the team's record stands at 2-9 heading into Week 13. Fields was recently replaced by veteran backup Tyrod Taylor, casting doubt on his future with the team. 

Consequently, Jacob Infante of PFSN anticipates the Jets will select a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Infante released a revised mock draft projecting the Jets to choose Oregon quarterback Dante Moore with the fourth overall pick. 

Regarding the potential Moore pick, Infante offered the following:

While it would have been enjoyable to see it succeed, Justin Fields is not a viable long-term choice to begin at quarterback for the New York Jets. In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, they select his replacement and secure the core of their rebuilding effort, highlighted by their move to trade Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner before the deadline.

Dante Moore, who served as a backup to current Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel last season, has significantly developed for Oregon in 2025. He possesses exceptional throwing ability, characterized by a fluid arm motion that produces strong velocity and allows him to make precise throws from various positions and stances. His inventiveness is particularly evident when he needs to prolong a play outside the pocket, and he's demonstrated glimpses of processing the entire field throughout the season.

Infante noted that the Jets are searching for their future quarterback, and Moore has made a significant impact in 2025. 

In his first season as the starter at Oregon, Moore has played in 11 games and has thrown for 2,447 yards with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. The quarterback has also rushed for 180 yards while completing 72.9% of his passes. 

Moore's robust arm and precise throws position him as a compelling prospect for the 2026 class. While Moore possesses considerable athleticism, he favors remaining within the pocket to launch deep passes. 

Taylor's contract expires after this season, and Fields has one year remaining on his deal. Releasing Fields would result in a dead cap hit of $22 million for the team, potentially leading them to retain him to compete with Ward for the starting position. 

By 2025, Fields' passing stats include 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. As a dual-threat quarterback, he's also accumulated 383 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Despite these numbers, the team's performance hasn't resulted in victories, and the Jets are looking to Taylor to energize the team for the remainder of the season. 

Despite Taylor's strong finish, he isn't a permanent fix. The Jets require a developing quarterback for Glenn to mentor, and Moore might be the top choice this offseason. 

Editorial Team