{"id":249462,"date":"2025-10-12T15:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-10-12T19:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=249462"},"modified":"2025-10-12T13:18:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-12T17:18:57","slug":"will-2026-draft-bring-the-jets-their-next-great-quarterback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/10\/12\/will-2026-draft-bring-the-jets-their-next-great-quarterback\/","title":{"rendered":"Will 2026 Draft Bring the Jets Their Next Great Quarterback?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Usually, projecting the NFL Draft this early into the season is meaningless. More than two months are remaining, and a lot can change with 11 weeks left to go in the regular season. However, the signs are already beginning to clear in college football. Without a single turnover on defense over a month into the season, the New York Jets<\/a> are off to a 0-6 start<\/a>. Of course, their underperforming defense has been the main culprit; the Jets are in position for the first overall pick as of now. Even though quarterback Justin Fields hasn’t thrown an interception, the new Jets regime will research the chance to add their pick at quarterback. Head Coach Aaron Glenn has stood beside his quarterback, but has the veteran done enough to prevent Darren Mougey from considering someone like Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza<\/a> with the number one pick?<\/p>\n

\"Justin
Oct 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) is pressured by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (13) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Will 2026 Draft Bring the Jets Their Next Great Quarterback?<\/h2>\n

The New York Jets are in an early rough patch that comes with a new rebuild. The regime of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are the only winless team remaining in the league. Outside of the Baltimore Ravens<\/a>, the New York Jets defense has allowed the most points in the league. However, the defense had it’s best game of the year in a 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos this week. While they have had their moments, the Jets offense hasn’t fared much better. Fortunately, the team has the fourth-most rushing yards in the league. Alas, their passing game is still developing.<\/p>\n

Despite the productive starts to the season for star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and second-round pick Mason Taylor<\/a> at tight end, the Jets have the fourth-lowest passing yards per game. The only three teams below them are the Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals<\/a>, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Tennessee Titans.<\/a> This was expected when new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand committed to a run-oriented offense; it has come at the expense of opening the playbook. Since the week one loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York hasn’t scored a touchdown in the first half. Despite not throwing an interception this season, Justin Fields has yet to show he’s the solution long term.<\/p>\n

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Sep 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Through four games, Justin Fields already has three lost fumbles. That’s half his season total in Pittsburgh last year after playing in ten games. Fields will always be respected as a runner. Through 54 career games<\/a>, Justin Fields has 47 fumbles throughout his tenure. Along with 31 career interceptions. His dual-threat ability has been an asset to the run game’s success. He also deserves credit for his 204 rushing yards and three touchdown runs. However, most of this success came with the game out of reach. This week’s loss in London was an indictment of Fields’ prospects as the team’s QB going forward. The regime must land on a quarterback. Aaron Glenn is already behind the eight ball. Can he afford to attach himself to Fields long-term at the expense of picking his own quarterback<\/a>?<\/p>\n

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Justin Fields:<\/p>\n

Completions – 9
Times Sacked – 9
Passing Yards – 45
Sack Yards Lost – 55<\/p>\n

Do you start Taylor next week? #Jets<\/a><\/p>\n

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 12, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n