Without a doubt, the New York Jets need a quarterback of the future. Could Alabama’s Ty Simpson be the guy?
Simpson is considered the best quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft not named Fernando Mendoza. He’s expected to be selected at some point in the first round.
The Jets own the second overall pick in the draft, but experts believe that’s too high to take Simpson. Instead, New York will likely take a defender like Ohio State’s Arvell Reese with that pick.
Thanks to the trade that sent Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts last year, the Jets also have the 16th overall pick in the first round. They could take Simpson at that spot. If he’s still available at No. 16, the Jets should go ahead and scoop him up.
Jets Shouldn’t Hesitate to Draft Quarterback Ty Simpson
His Career Thus
Ty Simpson attended Westview High School in Martin Tennessee. During his senior year, he passed for 2,827 yards and 41 touchdowns against three interceptions. He also rushed for 862 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Simpson was rated a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He received college offers from schools like Clemson, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. Yet, he ultimately committed to Alabama.
In 2022, Simpson redshirted his freshman season at Alabama. Bryce Young was the starter that year. Simpson then served as a backup the following two years.
Simpson was named the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback in 2025. This past season, he threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions while completing 64.5 percent of his passes. Simpson had several big-time games like his 382-yard, four-touchdown performance against Wisconsin. He also threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns versus Vanderbilt.
Simpson led Alabama to an appearance in the SEC championship and earned a 34-24 win over Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff. However, they lost 38-3 to Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
Ty Simpson later opted to enter the 2026 NFL Draft over returning to Alabama – or entering the Transfer Portal.
Why the Jets Should Draft Simpson
The Jets had a horrible 2025 season. They finished the year with a 3-14 record and missed the playoffs for the 15th consecutive season.
There were many reasons for the Jets’ horrible campaign. One of the main issues was their lack of a franchise quarterback. In the NFL, it’s extremely difficult to win without an elite signal-caller.
Justin Fields, who the Jets signed last year, certainly wasn’t the answer. He’s now out of New York as the team traded him to the to Kansas City Chiefs this offseason.
The Jets acquired Geno Smith to be the starter in 2026. But hes’s just a bridge quarterback.
Ty Simpson could eventually emerge as a much-needed star in New York. He’s known as an ambitious pocket passer who’s capable of pushing the ball to all levels of the field. Plus, he’s tough and willing to put it on the line as a runner in order to pick up first downs. In addition, he’s a good thrower on the move.
The potential is there. It’ll be interesting, though, to see if Simpson actually goes to the Jets.
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