Dante Moore's concerning injury update makes Jets' NFL Draft picture even cloudier

New York Jets fans were rightfully perturbed when Oregon quarterback Dante Moore passed up the opportunity to be selected No. 2 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Moore returned to the Ducks to chase a national championship, and that move has been an abject disaster.

Moore suffering a concussion that cost him valuable game time was bad enough, but it got even worse when head coach Dan Lanning confirmed that Moore will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to that injury. Quarterback-needy teams like the Jets have to be furious, as there's a chance Moore slides out of the first round.

The fact that this comes almost one year after he spurned what would have been a No. 2 overall selection if he had declared makes it truly sting for any big fans of Moore's game.

Possible New York Jets pick Dante Moore out for 2026 after concussion

Moore completed 72% of his passes in 2025, throwing for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions for a Ducks team that made it to the College Football Playoff before losing to Indiana. Moore started this season off with a narrow win against Boise State and a loss to Oklahoma State, but he himself threw for nine touchdowns and no picks.

As a prospect, teams like the Jets were very intrigued by Moore's accuracy from the pocket, arm talent, and willingness to challenge the defense down the field. He needed to show that he has improved in making plays out of structure and not telegraphing his intentions with the football as often as he did.

What makes this situation tragic is the fact that the hit which knocked Moore out of commission was a dirty play that warranted a suspension. That cheap shot may have cost him millions and a spot as a team's quarterback of the future. The first round is no longer a lock.

New York Jets may pass on Dante Moore in the 2027 NFL Draft

Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker and Notre Dame's CJ Carr are starting to emerge as the top two quarterback prospects in this class, and Moore's injury may limit his chances of catching them. Moore fell to a tier populated by names like Miami's Darian Mensah and Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, but this development could force him to fall even farther.

Had he declared, Moore would have been able to sign a four-year contract worth well over $50 million with the Jets. Even if he hadn't gotten on the field so far this year, in the same way Fernando Mendoza hasn't started yet for the Las Vegas Raiders, the Jets would have designated him as their quarterback of the future.

Instead, Moore now faces the prospect of possibly sliding out of the first round, all while failing to elevate Oregon to a national championship. Teams will still be interested in his services, but Moore's decision to go back to school has been a complete mess, and other quarterbacks may look to his situation as an example of what not to do.

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