Latest NY Jets draft rumor crushes Cam Ward trade-up pipedream

There has been much speculation about what the NY Jets will do next at quarterback with Aaron Rodgers gone. That has naturally led to plenty of speculation surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft.

There are talks about the Jets turning to free agency, the trade market, or even their current roster. An exciting one for fans, though, is the idea of trading up to snag a top-tier QB talent — maybe even as high as the first overall pick.

According to SNY's Connor Hughes, however, that scenario is highly unlikely. Hughes reported this week that he'd "be surprised if the Jets traded up to the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft."

NY Jets likely won't trade up for Cam Ward or another QB prospect

It would certainly be major news if the Jets landed the first pick in the draft. Fans haven't seen the team pick No. 1 overall in nearly 30 years — the last time was in 1996 when they selected wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson out of USC.

While it is an intriguing thought, at this point, it is just that — a thought. The Jets would face steep competition if they were looking to trade up, most notably from the New York Giants, and they likely don't have the ammunition nor the desire to pull the trigger.

Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders are both talented prospects, but they are far from the "can't-miss" variety. Ward seems to be the odds-on favorite to be the first quarterback off the board, but it speaks volumes that the QB-needy Tennessee Titans are willing to trade down instead of selecting him.

Jets general manager Darren Mougey has garnered a reputation as a shrewd operator. Dumping valuable assets, whatever those may be, for an uncertain young quarterback does not fit his strategy thus far.

He has too many cheaper options at his disposal to be taking massive risks. Hughes echoes this, explaining that a veteran free agent or pairing a late-round rookie with Tyrod Taylor are the most likely options at this point.

"Sources I touched base with in Indianapolis, who met with the Jets at different points, believed a veteran (Justin Fields, Carson Wentz, Marcus Mariota), Day 2 rookie, and Tyrod Taylor were a more likely combination"

Connor Hughes

Hughes did leave open the potential that the Jets could change their mind if they become "enamored" with either one of Ward or Sanders. He also spoke nothing of them trading up to a higher pick that isn't the first overall selection.

So, we still don’t know exactly who will be under center for the Jets in 2025. Jets fans will have to wait a little longer for answers. But one thing seems certain — it won’t be the No. 1 pick in the draft. Not this year, at least.

More NY Jets news and analysis: