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By Evan Massey
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Jets have a lot of areas that need to be improved during the upcoming NFL offseason, with no bigger need than to find a new long-term franchise quarterback.
Over the last few years, the Jets have tried many different options to bring in a quarterback that can lead them back to playoff contention. Aaron Rodgers didn't work out and Justin Field was a miss this season as well. Heading into the offseason, New York needs to figure out its future under center.
With that in mind, quite a few different avenues have been suggested for the Jets to find that quarterback.
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Some believe that New York could look into free agency to take a chance on a quarterback like Malik Willis. Others have suggested a blockbuster trade for Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson. Another potential route could be the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Keeping that in mind, a new suggestion has been made for the Jets. This idea has come from none other than ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.
Kiper believes that New York should take Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Let’s be clear, though: I do have some concerns about Simpson. He has 15 career starts, which means this pick would come with a lot of risk. That’s just not enough game experience. We also can’t ignore his dip in performance in the second half of the 2025 season," Kiper said.
"But there’s also no questioning his upside. Simpson has good pocket presence, and he fired 28 touchdown passes and only five interceptions this past season. If the Jets can surround him with talent on offense and develop him, he has a high ceiling."
Simpson was a Heisman Trophy candidate at one point during the 2025 college football season. He put up a big year for Alabama, although the season ended in rough fashion at the hands of the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl.
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Throughout the course of the year, Simpson completed 64.5 percent of his pass attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He has the talent to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
At the end of the day, the Jets have to do something at quarterback. Taking a chance on Simpson could make an awful lot of sense.
There is never a guarantee when it comes to rookie quarterbacks, but Simpson has the talent, work ethic, and attitude to become a strong option at the NFL level.
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