The Jets' 'worst-case scenario' for 2026 would be an absolute disaster

When it comes to the New York Jets' 2026 offseason, there are several things that could go catastrophically wrong.

They could lose Breece Hall and leave themselves without a starting running back, fail to land any marquee free agents on defense, and totally whiff on their first and second-round picks at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.

But Bleacher Report believes that there's something even more pressing that could obliterate the Jets' odds of having a competent season next year, and it would be failing to find a viable starting quarterback who could get them through to 2027.

What if the Jets can't find themselves a new starting quarterback?

B/R's Kristopher Knox laid out how the Jets could fail to find themselves a starting quarterback, and what it could mean for the 2027 season.

"If they try but fail to make a run at a free agent like Daniel Jones or Malik Willis and then strike out in the draft, they may have no choice but to tank for 2027 draft positioning and hope that next year's QB class is more impressive."

Kristopher Konx

The problem is, head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey can't afford to tank in 2026. If the team falls on its face again, similar to how they did this past season, the Jets will be searching for a new leadership duo to right the ship.

The fact of the matter is, finding a new starting quarterback for 2026 is not a maybe — it's a must. It doesn't have to be a swing-for-the-fences move like acquiring Aaron Rodgers in 2023, but the quarterback has to be at least servicable and able to run a functioning offense.

Knox listed guys like Daniel Jones and Malik Willis as quarterbacks the Jets may strike out on, but there will be many more options available than just those two on the free agent market.

Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Marcus Mariota are all veterans who are expected to be available, along with trade candidates Jacoby Brissett, Kyler Murray, and Derek Carr, who, despite coming out of retirement, would require a trade with the New Orleans Saints to land his services.

The Jets cannot roll out Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor again in 2026 and expect the rest of the league and their fanbase to take them seriously. Even if they want to take a swing on a rookie like Alabama's Ty Simpson or LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, neither player is expected to be pro-ready and needs a veteran in front of them to at least start the season.

The Jets' worst-case scenario would absolutely be not being able to find a new starting quarterback for next season, but there are just too many options available to them that they'll whiff on every single one, right?