Drafting a Day 2 quarterback may help save Aaron Glenn's job as Jets coach

The New York Jets will need to find a new quarterback for the 2026 season, as head coach Aaron Glenn found himself on the hot seat following a 3-14 campaign and the failure of the Justin Fields experiment. Missing out on Fernando Mendoza by picking No. 1 overall has to sting.

The idea of taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round, possibly at No. 16 overall, may have some appeal due to his downfield accuracy, but preventing themselves from taking a swing on a 2027 class that is viewed as the deepest one in years might not be wise.

The Jets may not be thrilled with picking up a career veteran as yet another bridge option, especially with how much pressure there is to improve. Rather than investing in Simpson, why not target a player on Day 2?

The plan that could save Glenn is picking a quarterback in the second round and giving that pick the entire 2026 season as the starter. It's a gamble on talent, evaluation technique, and chance to get the fanbase invested in a young quarterback all at once.

Jets need to draft QB on Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft

Even in a thin quarterback class, which could be made even thinner if Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss is allowed to return to college, there are players who could come off the board on Day 2. LSU's Garrett Nussmeier would be the top choice in that regard, and Penn State's Drew Allar also has some upside.

By taking a quarterback in the second round and giving them the entire season, Glenn can claim to be both evaluating a possible franchise quarterback and keeping their options open for 2027. No matter what happens in this arrangement, the Jets could possibly benefit in the long run.

If this player fails, the Jets can use one of their three first-round picks in the stronger 2027 NFL Draft to select a replacement. If the whole thing is a titanic mess, Glenn may lose his job, but the Jets can reboot with a new coach enticed by the promise of three premium picks and tons of cap space.

If they succeed, as Tyler Shough and Jalen Hurts did in New Orleans and Philadelphia, the Jets may have stumbled backwards into a competent quarterback. Glenn and Darren Mougey can use those 2027 picks to either trade for more established veterans or reinforce the other weak spots on the roster.