If you've followed the New York Jets for more than five minutes, you know that the quarterback position isn't just a "role" on the team—it's a spiritual crisis. It’s a revolving door of hope, heartbreak, and really expensive medical bills. As we roll into the 2026 offseason, the big question of who are the Jets quarterbacks is actually weirder than usual.
The era of Aaron Rodgers in green and white is officially dead and buried. Honestly, it feels like a fever dream now. After that messy breakup in early 2025, Rodgers found a second (third? fourth?) life with the Pittsburgh Steelers, even leading them to an AFC North title while the Jets were busy trying to figure out if their offensive line was actually made of cardboard.
Right now, the room is led by Brady Cook. If that name sounds like someone who should be selling you homeowner's insurance, you aren't entirely wrong, but he’s the guy who actually finished the 2025 season under center.
The current 2026 Jets quarterback room
Let’s look at the names on the whiteboard at 1 Jets Drive. It’s a mix of "wait, he's still here?" and "who is that?"
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- Brady Cook: The de facto leader. He stepped in after the Justin Fields experiment went south (more on that in a second). Cook isn't a superstar, but he did enough in late 2025 to earn a look for 2026. He’s cheap, he knows the system, and he doesn't throw three picks a game. Basically, he's the ultimate bridge.
- Justin Fields: This is the complicated one. Fields signed that two-year, $40 million deal back in 2025, but it’s been a disaster. He’s currently on the Injured Reserve with a knee injury. There’s a lot of chatter that he might be a "cut candidate" this spring because his 2026 guarantee is massive.
- Hendon Hooker: The Jets grabbed him as an exclusive-rights free agent. He’s talented but hasn't had the "it" moment yet in New York.
- Bailey Zappe: Signed to a "futures" contract recently. He’s depth. He’s a body for training camp.
- Tyrod Taylor: The veteran presence. He’s technically an impending free agent and is dealing with a knee issue of his own, so whether he actually returns is a coin flip.
Why the Dante Moore news changed everything
The Jets had a plan. Or at least, we thought they did. With the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, everyone assumed they’d just grab Dante Moore from Oregon and finally end this decade-long search for a franchise savior.
Then Wednesday happened.
Moore stunned the football world by announcing he’s going back to Oregon for another year. Just like that, the Jets’ "easy" path to a new QB evaporated. It’s typical Jets luck, honestly. Now that Fernando Mendoza (the Heisman winner from Indiana) is almost certainly going No. 1 to the Raiders, the Jets are stuck at No. 2 with no "slam dunk" quarterback to take.
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This leaves the front office in a weird spot. Do they reach for Ty Simpson from Alabama at No. 16? Do they try to trade back? Some fans are even whispering about a Geno Smith reunion, which sounds insane until you realize the Raiders might cut him after they draft Mendoza.
What happened to Jordan Travis?
A lot of people still ask about Jordan Travis, the Florida State legend the Jets took a flyer on in 2024. It’s a sad story, really. Travis was forced into medical retirement in April 2025. That devastating leg injury he suffered in college just never healed the way it needed to for pro football.
There was some drama there, too. Travis didn't exactly have glowing things to say about how the Jets handled his rehab, and there were reports of "slick comments" from owner Woody Johnson that didn't sit well. He’s doing great now with a podcast called Travis Take Two, but his playing days are over.
The Justin Fields dilemma
Let’s talk about Justin Fields for a second. When the Jets brought him in, the hope was that a change of scenery would unlock that MVP-level ceiling. It didn't. He struggled with a shoddy offensive line—sound familiar?—and eventually got benched for Cook before the injury ended his season.
Cutting him would save the team a ton of cap space, but it also leaves them with zero "high upside" guys on the roster. If they keep him, they’re paying $20 million for a guy who might start the season on the bench. It’s a total mess.
Who will be starting in Week 1?
If you’re betting on who are the Jets quarterbacks by the time September rolls around, don’t put your house on it. The depth chart right now is a placeholder.
- The Draft Option: If they don't take a QB at No. 2 (many mocks have them taking WR Carnell Tate from Ohio State now), look for them to snag someone like Ty Simpson or Trinidad Chambliss in the late first or early second round.
- The Veteran Stopgap: Names like Kirk Cousins or even a Joe Flacco return (yes, again) are being floated. They need someone who can mentor a rookie while Brady Cook holds the fort.
- The Dark Horse: Don't count out a trade. With the Jets holding multiple high picks, they could get aggressive if a veteran like Kyler Murray becomes available.
Actionable insights for Jets fans
The next few months are going to be a rollercoaster. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, here is what you need to watch:
- Monitor the March 11 Free Agency start: If the Jets don't sign a veteran QB immediately, it means they are almost certainly trading up or down in the draft to secure a specific guy.
- Watch the "Futures" signings: Guys like Bailey Zappe are camp arms, but in this organization, camp arms have a weird habit of starting games by November.
- Check the medical reports on Fields: If he isn't cleared by May, expect the team to move on and take the cap hit.
The Jets are currently in a "holding pattern" that feels more like a tailspin. With Dante Moore out of the 2026 draft class, the search for stability continues. Whether it's Brady Cook leading the huddle or a rookie from Alabama, the 2026 season is already shaping up to be another wild chapter in the most stressful position in New York sports.