All signs point to the New York Jets waving the white flag on the season.
They traded away All-Pro defenders Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams and added draft picks for the future.
They will also most likely get a valuable compensatory pick if running back Breece Hall leaves as a free agent.
With their sights clearly set on the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets reportedly are “heavily” scouting a top QB prospect.
“The New York Jets have been heavily scouting Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. Young man is 6-foot-5, 225 pounds. Just remember that Aaron Glenn comes from the [Detroit] Lions. His QB was Jared Goff who is around 6-foot-4, 220. Glenn and [offensive coordinator Tanner] Engstrand looking for ‘traditional’ QB,” John Frascella wrote on X.
The New York Jets have been HEAVILY scouting Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza
Young man is 6’5” 225 pounds
Just remember that Aaron Glenn comes from the Lions
His QB was Jared Goff who is around 6’4” 220
Glenn & Engstrand looking for ‘traditional’ QB
pic.twitter.com/jyfiv6LZ7p
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) November 5, 2025
The 2026 draft was projected to be stacked with talent at quarterback.
Though most of those college QBs have disappointed this season, Mendoza has looked like a safe bet and has emerged as one of the favorites to be the first player off the board.
The Jets currently have the worst record in the league, and, even before the blockbuster trades, they weren’t expected to win many more games.
Justin Fields has proven that he isn’t the quarterback they needed, and it’s hard to believe he will get another opportunity to be a starter in the NFL.
The Jets seemed to have to come to terms with the reality that they will never be able to compete at a high level until they get a franchise quarterback.
While there are many things to clean up in the organization, it will likely try to find the most important answer in the upcoming draft.
NEXT: Insider Names 3 QBs That Jets Should Target In 2026 Draft