Former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason says team 'lucked out' with top QB prospect heading back to college

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Dante Moore was on track to be the second overall pick of this year’s NFL Draft, but he decided to stay in college.

Moore shot up the quarterback prospect list in his first full season with Oregon. He completed 71.2% of his passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, propelling him into the conversation alongside Fernando Mendoza, who also skyrocketed with his Heisman Trophy-winning campaign.

The New York Jets currently hold the No. 2 pick and are once again desperate to find the future of the franchise. But, one of their former quarterbacks, 1989 NFL MVP Boomer Esiason, believes the Jets may have actually dodged a bullet.

Dante Moore of the Oregon Ducks gestures after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on Nov. 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Oregon Ducks won 26-14. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

"I think the Jets lucked out," Esiason told "The Dan Patrick Show" this week.

Esiason said he urged Moore on his New York radio show to "stay in school" because he "need[ed] more playing time." He has only started 18 Division I games.

"I think he made the right decision. And I’m sure he’s going to get a nice paycheck from Oregon. But he’s making a $50 million bet on himself, which is really quite amazing," Esiason added.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against Indiana during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal in Atlanta, Georgia, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)

Esiason also highlighted the possibility of Arch Manning in 2027, while the Jets could still have their shot at Moore anyway.

"Maybe they will be