Latest Ty Simpson report may be a sigh of relief for some Jets fans

The New York Jets need a long-term plan at quarterback. Let me know if you've heard that one before.

Geno Smith will be the 2026 starter, of course, but there's still no long-term plan in place at the position in New York, and it's beginning to feel like that can be kicked down the road at least one more season.

Early on in the pre-draft process, it felt like Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was one of the more likely options to be added in the 2026 NFL Draft, but as we get closer to the start of the draft, it's starting to feel like Simpson and the Jets aren't meant to be.

According to a new report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Simpson appears headed for the NFC West.

Ty Simpson linked to Cardinals, positive news for Jets fans not interested in the Alabama QB

Fowler responded to a post on X announcing Simpson's Top 30 pre-draft visit with Arizona, and revealed the belief among teams.

"In league circles, Simpson has been linked to Arizona more than any other team."

Jeremy Fowler

It sounds like the Cardinals are either hoping Simpson falls to their second-round pick (No. 34) or they can attempt to pull off a similar trade the New York Giants did last year, when they moved up into the backend of the first round to land Jaxson Dart.

Either way, it's positive news for Jets fans who weren't all that interested in the Alabama signal caller, despite him being the obvious QB2 in this draft class.

Simpson has potential. He just needs time and development to better flesh out his talent. The Jets are not the most optimal place for him to get those reps.

Aaron Glenn needs to win in 2026; his job depends on it. It's why New York went out and got Smith this offseason in the first place, to bring competency and experience under center.

If the Jets were to draft Simpson, the only way he's seeing the field next year is if the Jets' season is over by Halloween, and if that's the case, Glenn is more likely than not to be fired by then.

That doesn't sound like the most hospitable environment for any quarterback, let alone a young one, and the Jets are better off waiting one more year to address their long-term plan at the position.

Let Simpson take his talents to Arizona with a first-year head coach. It's better than trying to force him into an organization that has a chance of resetting within the next calendar year.

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