Taking a look at who could be the Jets' starting QB in 2026 - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Joe Namath played his last game for the New York Jets exactly 50 years ago. Since then, the organization has experienced varying degrees of quarterback instability.

But perhaps nothing quite like the present.

The Jets are caught in the post-Aaron Rodgers/pre-(insert mystery name) era, which saw three quarterbacks start at least four games apiece last season — tied for the most by any team in a single season in NFL history.

They could have a new set of quarterbacks in 2026, and the seats at the table are expected to start filling up after free agent negotiating starts Monday (noon ET). The trade period is ongoing, but deals won't become official until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, the start of the new league year.

The Jets hope to address their short-term needs by acquiring a bridge quarterback (or two), saving the long term for next month's draft — or maybe next year's draft.

Some fans want them to punt on 2026, waiting for Arch Manning, Dante Moore & Co. in the 2027 draft, but coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey need to win games after last season's 3-14 mess.

They might not survive a «March for Arch,» so it's imperative they choose the right veteran out of a mediocre group of options and decide whether Ty Simpson — widely regarded as the draft's best quarterback prospect not named Fernando Mendoza — is worth New York's second (16th overall) or third (33rd) pick.

It's not overstating it to say these judgments will impact the franchise for several years to come. What makes it more challenging is that the Jets, who haven't sent a quarterback to the Pro Bowl since Brett Favre in 2008, aren't exactly a hot destination.

«You're going into the Black Hole,» a longtime personnel executive said.

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