Jets Country

Jets Lose Potential QB Option After Shocking Turn of Events

The Jets are slowly but surely running out of potential options for quarterback next season...
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss returns to his seat after testifying during the hearing in his lawsuit against the NCAA at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Chambliss is looking for a temporary injunction and a permanent injunction against the NCAA for one more year of eligibility.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss returns to his seat after testifying during the hearing in his lawsuit against the NCAA at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Chambliss is looking for a temporary injunction and a permanent injunction against the NCAA for one more year of eligibility. | Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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The New York Jets made a bold decision last year to cut ties with Aaron Rodgers and sign Justin Fields as his replacement. While cutting ties with Rodgers may have been the best move, signing Fields wasn't.

Fields was one of the worst quarterbacks in the league. On multiple occasions, he played a major factor in a Jets loss. As a result, they're going to be looking for a new quarterback this offseason.

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Unfortunately for the Jets, there aren't many options available. The trade market doesn't have any long-term starters with much promise, especially at an affordable price. Free agency has some options, but it might not fit the Jets. The NFL Draft certainly has some intriguing options, but there's only one starter worth a top pick, Fernando Mendoza, and he's expected to go to the Las Vegas Raiders at pick No. 1.

On Thursday, the Jets were dealt another crushing blow as one of their potential quarterback options came off the board in a shocking turn of events.

Trinidad Chambliss comes off board as he's granted additional year at Ole Miss

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chamblis
Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) signals a first down after his run against the Miami Hurricanes during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been an intriguing draft option for the Jets. With Mendoza expected to come off the board at pick No. 1, the top options for the Jets were Ty Simpson, Chambliss, and Garrett Nussmeier.

But according to college football insider Pete Thamel, Chambliss was granted an additional year of eligibility for the 2026 season. This comes after his efforts to gain an extra year were shot down by the NCAA.

The NCAA still has a chance to appeal, but as of now, the young quarterback is headed back to Ole Miss.

This leaves very few options for the Jets in the NFL draft. They will likely need to turn to a trade or free agency to find a short term solution. Simpson could still fit the team, but he might not be worth a first-round pick.

Kyler Murray and Derek Carr could make sense as trade fits. Malik Willis could be a target in free agency. The Jets have options, but they don't have too many good ones.

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "New York Jets On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org