NFL Draft 2025 Rumors: Cam Ward Would Be Target If Jets Trade Up from No. 7 Pick

There is no doubt that the most important decision the New York Jets make this offseason will be how they address the quarterback position after cutting ties with Aaron Rodgers.

And if they move up the board at the NFL draft, it will be with one player in mind.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported Monday that "if the Jets were to trade up it would be for Miami's Cam Ward. ... ESPN reported that the Jets are among the teams considering moving up, likely to get Ward, though it would be a costly deal, likely involving multiple firsts and other picks and/or players. At this stage, I consider it unlikely to happen."

Connor Hughes of SNY added that the Jets have "contacted" the Tennessee Titans about the top overall pick, though he noted that "the way those discussions were described to me were as 'preliminary' and 'checking in'—essentially, [general manager Darren Mougey] was doing his homework. That could change if the Jets fall in love with a prospect in the coming weeks and months. But, personally, I'm not sure that it happens for two reasons: The cost and the Jets' other holes."

If the Jets stick at No. 7, they could see if a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders drops to them or they could fill other needs and revisit the quarterback market on the second day of the draft. The latter approach would make sense if the team adds a solid veteran in free agency like Justin Fields—Rosenblatt noted there is "buzz" around the league that the Jets have identified him as a target—to compete with Tyrod Taylor in the short term.

Trading up to No. 1 would mean dispensing of significant resources and draft capital, however, and for a player in Ward who isn't widely considered one of the better quarterback prospects to hit the draft in recent years. It's not a great offseason to be pursuing a franchise quarterback at the draft, though Ward is the cream of the crop in this draft class.

And the Jets have plenty of other needs. The secondary needs to be rebuilt around star corner Sauce Gardner and nickel Michael Carter II. Defensive tackle must be addressed, with Quinnen Williams needing a running mate. Wide receiver will be a need once Rodgers' favorites Davante Adams and Allen Lazard are inevitably traded or released. And adding edge-rushers or offensive lineman is never a bad option.

So the Jets could use the No. 7 pick on other positions that require an infusion of talent and potentially wait to address quarterback next year, when the available options are expected to be better. However they approach this draft, it feels unlikely they'll mortgage the future to trade up to No. 1.