The Jets are set to host Alabama quarterbackTy Simpsonfor a private workout on Friday, March 27, perESPN's Field Yates.
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Simpson – a one-year starter for the Crimson Tide – is widely expected to be the second quarterback off the board behind Fernando Mendoza during the 2026 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old signal-caller completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2025 while leading Alabama to a College Football Playoff appearance and a first-round win over Oklahoma.
Simpson followed up his strong season by being one ofthe top-performing quarterbacks at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. He completed his pro day workout in front of NFL talent evaluators on March 25 and will likely host several private workouts as he looks to prove himself as a first-round prospect.
The Jets are armed with two first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. They own their own pick – No. 2 overall – and also acquired the No. 16 pick from theIndianapolis Coltsas part ofthe midseason Sauce Gardner trade.
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If the Jets fall in love with Simpson, they will likely need to use one of those premium picks on the Alabama product, as there is no guarantee he would be available in the second round.
Either way, the Jets figure to add a quarterback at some point during the 2026 NFL Draft. Smith will turn 36 during the 2026 NFL season, so it would behoove the Jets to add a young quarterback to develop behind him.
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Whether it's Simpson in the first round,Garrett NussmeierorCarson Beckon Day 2 or another signal-caller on the draft's final day, expect another young signal-caller to join New York's depth chart for the 2026 NFL season.
Jets QB depth chart
The Jets currently have three quarterbacks on their roster. Below is a look at the pecking order within the unit.
Cook is the only quarterback who played for the Jets during the 2025 season. He made four starts, going 0-4 while completing 57.5% of his passes for 739 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Meanwhile, Smith posted a league-worst 17 interceptions with the Raiders while Zappe spent most of the 2025 season on theCleveland Browns' practice squad and didn't play a single snap.
