How Jets View Ty Simpson Revealed in New Rumors Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets reportedly like Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, but that doesn't mean they are ready to select him with the No. 16 overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft.

"The Jets have done a lot of homework on Simpson, including a dinner and private workout," ESPN's Rich Cimini reported Sunday. "Word is they came away impressed with him as a person and his football character. Of course, it takes more than that to get drafted in the first round. It would be a surprise if the Jets take him with the 16th pick."

While New York acquired the 35-year-old Geno Smith this offseason, it is not realistic to expect the veteran to be the team's long-term answer at the quarterback position. Given the need for another signal-caller, taking Simpson—who is widely seen as the second-best quarterback in this draft—would make some sense.

However, the Jets could also wait until next year to address the position.

After all, it was just in December that draft analyst Todd McShay said the 2027 group is "shaping up to be potentially one of the greatest quarterback classes in the history of the NFL draft" (50-second mark).

If the Jets decide to pass on Simpson, they could take one of those prospects next year and restart the long-term quarterback outlook while relying on Smith in the short term.

B/R's NFL Scouting Department projected New York to pass on Simpson in its most recent mock draft and instead select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 16 overall. That would give the team another option in the aerial attack alongside Garrett Wilson and improve Smith's overall outlook.

Notably, though, the mock draft still pointed to the connection between Simpson and the Jets when projecting the Arizona Cardinals to trade into the No. 26 pick and take the Alabama product .

"As it currently stands, the Cardinals find themselves just behind the New York Jets near the top of the draft's second round," the mock draft read. "Both teams should have interest in Simpson as the class' QB2. While the Jets are poised to try and win this fall, Arizona has a little longer runway to rebuild, which should include a significant investment in the quarterback position."

Such a scenario could clear the way for the Jets to address the position next year.