New Ty Simpson Rumors on Jets Private Workout Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Whether the New York Jets plan to take a quarterback in the first round of the NFL draft remains unknown, but they're at least looking into one of the top quarterbacks in this year's class.

Per ESPN's Field Yates (via ESPN' Adam Schefter), the Jets will hold a private workout with Alabama star quarterback Ty Simpson on Friday.

Simpson, a former 5-star prospect who waited behind star quarterbacks Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, took over as the Crimson Tide's starter in 2025. In his sole season under center, he threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with just five interceptions, leading Alabama to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department considers Simpson to be the No. 26 overall player and the No. 2 quarterback in this year's draft class, only behind Indiana star Fernando Mendoza, the consensus top pick.

In the months leading up to the draft, it seemed like Mendoza would be the only quarterback taken in the first round from a relatively weak quarterback class. Simpson has gained some momentum in the recent weeks, though, as Schefter reported earlier this week that he'll be a first-round pick.

"The one thing that I can say confidently right now in talking to front offices is, I believe that Ty Simpson will be a first-round draft pick," Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show.

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky said that he believes Simpson is the best quarterback in this year's draft class, and ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum noted that several teams share that opinion.

In looking at this year's draft, the Jets would likely make the most sense to take Simpson in the first round. While they added Geno Smith already this offseason, they still don't have a long-term solution under center.

Simpson could fill that role, and New York could have two opportunities in the first round to draft him.