The Jets have one reason to watch Baker Mayfield closely this summer

Nearly a decade ago, the New York Jets never really had a realistic chance at drafting Oklahoma star quarterback Baker Mayfield. At long last, maybe Jets fans should prepare to see Mayfield representing Gang Green.

Mayfield is entering the final year of his contract with the Buccaneers, and there is no indication that the two sides will reach a new deal before Week 1. 

The 31-year-old Mayfield previously set a pre-training camp deadline — the Buccaneers report for camp on July 28. 

Could the New York Jets eventually sign Baker Mayfield?

Let’s get one thing out of the way: Baker Mayfield will almost certainly not play for the Jets in 2026. The Buccaneers have no reason to trade Mayfield, and he hasn’t hinted he would hold out without a new contract.

Mayfield is the face of a Buccaneers team desperate to move on from last year’s collapse. He's in the prime of his career and has left those mounting “bust” questions far behind.

Barring a catastrophic injury, there’ll be a team that hands Mayfield a massive contract next offseason. The Jets, obviously, need a franchise quarterback. Geno Smith is a pending free agent and turns 36 in October. And no, Cade Klubnik’s presence is not a reason to forgo pursuing Mayfield.

The external consensus is that the Jets will target a quarterback next offseason, whether it’s via free agency, trade, or the draft. Having three first-round picks could help in a trade, either for a quarterback or to move up for a top prospect.

Mayfield checks every box the Jets should have. He’s a warrior with a proven track record, and he’s only gotten better with age. 

The idea of Mayfield leading an offense with Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson is exciting on its own, but imagine if Adonai Mitchell and Mason Taylor make significant improvements.

The Jets also used first-round picks on tight end Kenyon Sadiq and receiver Omar Cooper Jr. Mayfield would inherit a young and immensely talented offense, though many in that group still need to prove themselves.

For the sake of conversation, let’s say that Mayfield stays firm and doesn’t sign a new deal after reporting to training camp. Theoretically, that’d allow the Jets to begin preliminary work on their offseason pitch. 

If it sounds like we’re making Mayfield out to be Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, consider the Jets’ decades of quarterback issues.

Suddenly, you’ll realize why the Jets should be hell-bent on Mayfield wearing the green and white next September.

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