If you’ve spent any time following the New York Jets over the last few decades, you know that the quarterback position isn't just a "need"—it’s a recurring nightmare. Honestly, looking at the current NY Jets depth chart QB situation in early 2026, it feels like the team is staring into a void. Aaron Rodgers is gone, currently trying to squeeze one last season out of his arm in Pittsburgh. Justin Fields, the big-money experiment from last year, is sitting on Injured Reserve and facing a likely release.
The reality on the ground at Florham Park is chaotic.
Basically, the "heir apparent" plan has evaporated multiple times. First, it was supposed to be Zach Wilson. Then, the Jordan Travis era ended before it even started when the former Florida State star retired in early 2025 without ever taking a contact snap. Now, the Jets are sitting with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the guy everyone wanted—Oregon’s Dante Moore—just announced he’s staying in school. It’s the sort of luck only this franchise could have.
The Current State of the NY Jets Depth Chart QB
Right now, if the Jets had to play a game tomorrow, the huddle would look very different than anyone predicted. The depth chart is a mix of "wait, who?" and "is he still here?"
Brady Cook is currently sitting at the top by default. He’s a former undrafted free agent out of Missouri who actually showed a bit of spark toward the end of the 2025 season. He did exactly what head coach Aaron Glenn asked: he didn't turn the ball over and he moved the chains. But is he a franchise guy? Most scouts would say no. He’s a high-floor backup who played well enough to earn a roster spot in 2026, but he’s not the guy you build a marketing campaign around.
Then you have the veterans. Tyrod Taylor is still in the building, but he’s 36 and technically a pending free agent as his contract hits its void years. He’s been a great mentor, but the Jets can’t keep leaning on a guy whose career is in its sunset phase.
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The Justin Fields Dilemma
Last year, the Jets gave Justin Fields a two-year, $40 million deal. It was a "prove it" contract that unfortunately proved very little. Between inconsistent play and ending the season on IR, Fields has become a prime cut candidate for the 2026 offseason. The Jets would take a cap hit, but keeping him at his current price tag for a $10 million guarantee in 2026 seems like a tough pill to swallow for GM Mike Borgonzi.
The rest of the room is sparse. Hendon Hooker is there, a remnant of the mid-2025 roster shuffling, and Bailey Zappe signed a futures contract. It’s a room full of backups and projects.
Why the 2026 Draft Just Got Complicated
For months, the plan for the NY Jets depth chart QB was simple: lose enough games to get the No. 2 pick, then draft Dante Moore. Moore was seen as the perfect "clean slate" prospect for Aaron Glenn. But with Moore returning to Oregon, the Jets are in a bind.
The Raiders, sitting at No. 1, are almost certainly taking Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana. Mendoza had a Heisman-winning season and is the only "can't-miss" prospect in this class. Once he’s off the board, the talent drop-off is steep.
- Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss): He’s the hot name right now. He’s got "juice" in his arm and can run like a deer, but he’s 6-foot-1 and 24 years old. The Jets have been burned by "electric" college players before.
- Ty Simpson (Alabama): Simpson has the pedigree, but he’s raw. He’s the kind of guy who needs to sit for a year, which is a luxury the Jets don't really have if they cut Fields.
- The Trade Down Scenario: There’s a lot of chatter about the Jets trading out of the No. 2 spot entirely. If they can’t get a franchise QB, why not stack the roster with a guy like Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State) and try again for a quarterback in 2027?
What Most People Get Wrong About the Jets' Strategy
You’ll hear a lot of "experts" saying the Jets should just trade for a veteran like Kyler Murray. On paper, it sounds great. Murray is a dynamic playmaker who could revitalize the offense. But have you seen that contract?
The Jets are in the middle of a "from-the-ground-up" rebuild. Taking on a $230 million extension for a quarterback who has struggled with injuries and consistency is exactly how you stay mediocre for another decade. Honestly, the smartest move might be the one fans hate the most: signing a bridge veteran like Marcus Mariota or Malik Willis and drafting a project in the second round.
It’s not sexy. It won't sell jerseys. But "iron sharpens iron," as the saying goes, and the Jets haven't had real competition in that QB room for years.
Actionable Steps for the Jets Offseason
If you’re running the front office, the path to fixing the NY Jets depth chart QB requires a multi-pronged attack. You can't just put all your eggs in the draft basket anymore.
- Cut the Cord on High-Cost Underperformers: Release Justin Fields. It’s a sunk cost. Use that cap space to fix the interior offensive line so the next QB actually has a pocket to stand in.
- The "Bridge" Strategy: Sign a veteran with starting experience who won't break the bank. Marcus Mariota is a name that keeps coming up because he provides a stable floor.
- Draft for Upside, Not Instant Star Power: If Mendoza is gone, don't reach at No. 2. Take the best player available—maybe Arvell Reese to bolster the defense—and use your two second-round picks to take a swing on a guy like Ty Simpson.
- Invest in a QB Specialist: The coaching staff needs a dedicated developer. Whether it's a new offensive coordinator or a specialized QB coach, the Jets need someone who can turn a "mold of clay" into a professional signal-caller.
The 2026 season is going to be a test of patience for Jets fans. The depth chart is a puzzle with half the pieces missing, and the draft just threw a wrench in the remaining half. But for the first time in a while, the team seems to be acknowledging that there are no shortcuts to finding a franchise quarterback.