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The New York Jets are keeping their eyes on one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft, Alabama's Ty Simpson.
The signal-caller confirmed meeting with the Jets during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, sharing his excitement about the opportunity.
"I really, really love the Jets," Simpson said. "It was great, just talking ball and getting to know each other."
He continued, "Coach [Frank] Reich is a great, great human being. Coach [Aaron] Glenn is a super juiceful guy."
He added, "If I have an opportunity to play in New York, they're going to get the best Ty Simpson they can get."
Simpson sees himself as a franchise quarterback capable of turning the Jets' QB situation around.
"First off, I think I'm ready. I'm a franchise quarterback," he said. "Alabama prepares you the most for the NFL. Their locker room is as close to an NFL locker room as you can get."
Draft position and evaluation
Simpson, who only started playing last season, is the consensus No. 2 quarterback in the draft class, and ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him 25th overall. Kiper highlighted both his strengths and potential concerns:
"His lack of experience might be a concern, as Simpson didn't start a game until last season, but the production is hard to ignore. He competes on every down and maneuvers well in the pocket. He can beat defenses with his legs when passing options aren't there," Kiper wrote.
Despite being a top QB prospect, Simpson is not projected to go in the first round in Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft, leaving the Jets in an intriguing spot.
With the 33rd overall pick-the first pick of the second round-New York could still target Simpson if he slides past the first 32 selections.
Analyst Joe Caporoso of Badlands believes Simpson would be a strong option for the Jets at the top of day two of the draft.
Jets' draft dilemma
The Jets' situation is complicated. While Simpson is a top talent in 2026, the quarterback class in 2027 is expected to be stronger.
New York must decide whether to draft a quarterback now or wait for a potentially better option next year.
The team could attempt a strategy similar to the one the New York Giants pulled off last year: selecting a top non-QB with the No. 3 pick and trading back into the first round to grab a desired quarterback later. That approach requires precision-and nerves of steel.
Success would look like a masterstroke; failure could leave the Jets without their quarterback of the future.
For now, Simpson remains a name at the top of the Jets' board. Whether New York acts at No. 33 or moves around the draft, one thing is clear: the franchise's next quarterback decision is poised to be a defining moment.