Darren Mougey, Jets
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New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey reacting at the 2026 NFL Combine.
The New York Jets have the ammo to make a seismic splash this offseason.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report boldly predicted that the Jets would trade back into the first round during the 2026 NFL draft to acquire a third selection on day one.
“The New York Jets have massive amounts of draft capital, which they should use to find their franchise quarterback. Geno Smith isn’t the answer. The 35-year-old veteran may not be as bad as what everyone saw last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, but he’s clearly not the long-term solution for Gang Green. The Jets need to be aggressive now, because next year guarantees nothing,” Sobleski explained.
“In order to maximize this year’s class, the Jets can use their initial two selections (second and 16th overall) to continue this offseason’s defensive overhaul. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and a cornerback, such as Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, could go a long way to completing that side of the ball, particularly after all the previous offseason additions,” Sobleski wrote.
“At that point, the Jets should get aggressive and be the team to make a run at Ty Simpson. Some may argue he could realistically be available at the top of the second round, which is a possibility. However, it’s better to ensure the acquisition of a preferred quarterback, particularly when another team or two could be in play for his services,” Sobleski added.
Taking a Page out of a Cross-Town Rival’s Playbook
The Jets need help across the roster. There are plenty of reasons why the team finished with a 3-14 record.
You could make a strong argument that it’s best for business if the Jets add two players that can help immediately at picks No. 2 and No. 16.
The green and white have roster needs at several positions, including but not limited to: wide receiver, interior offensive line, pass rusher, off-ball linebacker, safety, and cornerback.
Taking a QB who doesn’t have an immediate path to playing time with one of those first two picks is a hard thing to rationalize. Especially considering head coach Aaron Glenn is firmly on the hot seat, and there is an inherent pressure to win now.
In last year’s draft, the New York Giants took the best player on the board in Penn State defender Abdul Carter at pick No. 3 overall. Then they waited patiently to see if their QB target would slide down the board. He did, so the Giants traded back into the first round when the timing was appropriate to select Jaxson Dart.
Big Blue took him with the No. 25 overall pick in the first round. Now the team is overflowing with optimism that they have found their guy.
Insider Lays out Path to Jets Trading up for Simpson
“The scenario I could see with Simpson is if the Jets pick at 2 & 16 & then they pull what the Giants did with Jaxson Dart last year & they move up to the bottom of the first round, then they get Simpson,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini said on “Jets Collective.”
“I could see something like that because then you kind of appease everyone in the building. You know, Aaron Glenn gets his two guys at 2 and 16 that can go in and help him right away. The front office & the ownership get their shiny new quarterback that they can start grooming for the future,” Cimini explained.
Paul Andrew Esden Jr
With all the Ty Simpson #Jets buzz today, here’s what ESPN’s Rich Cimini brought up to @BrandonTierney & @JakeAsman last night:
‘The scenario I could see with Simpson is if the Jets pick at 2 & 16 & then they pull what the #Giants did with Jaxson Dart last year & they move up
The Jets have done plenty of work on Simpson.
They put him through a private workout on Friday, March 27. On Thursday, March 26, the Jets’ brass took him out to dinner.
That group included head coach Aaron Glenn, general manager Darren Mougey, offensive coordinator Frank Reich, and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, Cimini revealed on social media.
Rich Cimini
Alabama QB Ty Simpson has a private workout tomorrow with the Jets, as @FieldYates reported. But there’s more:
The Jets’ top decision-makers will have dinner tonight with Simpson in Tuscaloosa, followed by the workout tomorrow morning, per source. GM Darren Mougey, HC Aaron