Jets Country

Jets May Have Justin Fields' Successor Emerging Before Their Eyes

The Jets could make a move for a new quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft...
Zach Pressnell|
Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

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New York Jets

The New York Jets made a bold decision in the offseason by cutting ties with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in favor of the much younger Justin Fields. Coming into the season, there was growing belief that Fields could be the franchise quarterback in New York.

But he's struggled quite a bit this season and the Jets are likely ready to move on from him once they can land a talented quarterback to replace him. The Jets opted to trade two of their best players at the trade deadline in exchange for a haul of top draft captial. That means the Jets will have five first round picks in the next two seasons that could be used to draft Fields' successor.

FanSided's Cody Williams recently put together a mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft after the trade deadline. With the No. 3 pick in the draft, Williams projected the Jets would select breakout Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to be the team's new franchise quarterback.

Ty Simpson could be the ideal replacement for Jets QB Justin Fields

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpso
Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images | Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

"There are already rumblings that the Jets' fire sale at the trade deadline doesn't necessarily mean that they'll look to draft a quarterback, meaning that a veteran signing or trade could be on the table (hello, Kyler Murray?)," Williams wrote. "But for now, and if they're in position, Ty Simpson would make a ton of sense. The Alabama signal-caller has risen up draft boards this season, displaying plus attributes across the board. His lack of experience is a concern, but the talent and outlook are anything but."

Simpson has been one of the top quarterbacks in college football this season. He's shown a lot of maturity and arm talent, which has caused him to fly up draft boards ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jets don't need to use their top selection on a quarterback, considering they have five first-round picks in the next two years, but if they're in love with the idea of adding Simpson, this pick makes a lot of sense.

He would be a big upgrade for the Jets' future. If Simpson continues to dominate this season, he could land with the Jets at the top of the first round.

More NFL: Jets Superstar Linked To 3 Teams In Way-Too-Early Offseason Trade Buzz

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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

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