What's Jets' plan with Dante Moore out of NFL draft? Four suggestions for 2026

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What's Jets' plan with Dante Moore out of NFL draft? Four suggestions for 2026

Nate Davis, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Wed, Jan 14, 2026 ·

8 min read

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Dante Moore can't legally buy a beer for another four months, but give the University of Oregon quarterback high marks for maturity.

Wednesday, Moore announced he'll forego the 2026 NFL Draft in order to play another season for the Ducks – in what's very likely the best decision for him … and the New York Jets .

Moore, who's started just 20 games in college – 15 in Oregon's just completed season and five for UCLA in 2023 – was widely projected to be a top-five pick in this year's draft, quite possibly second overall to the quarterback-starved Jets . (The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Indiana star and recently crowned Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza in the top spot.)

Still, some NFL scouts believe Moore could have more professional upside than Mendoza.

"Around the league, there's a debate on who's one or who's two," ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller recently told USA TODAY Sports . "Some people love Mendoza – pocket passer, super accurate, poised, never seems to get rattled. He's more of a distributor – he allows his guys to go make plays. I think there's a lot of people that see that and like it. He's kind of Jared Goff -esque … or Kirk Cousins -plus.

"Dante, I think he's a little more explosive, he's a little more dynamic. … He's really not quite as experienced. And so it's more of an upside bet."

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)

Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
(Bob DeChiara, Imagn Images)

Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
(Peter Casey, Imagn Images)

Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.
(Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)

Mendoza thoroughly outplayed Moore in last Friday's Peach Bowl , the Hoosiers scalding the Ducks 56-22. Mendoza's performance, which included five touchdown passes and three incompletions, aligned with Miller's description of him. However Moore threw an ugly pick-six on the first play from scrimmage, didn't deal with Indiana's defensive pressure effectively and – despite a promising second drive capped by a 19-yard TD pass to Jamari Johnson – wasn't able to keep Oregon competitive in the CFP semifinal round, his 285 passing yards largely cosmetic.

The game was but a snapshot of Moore, who was third-team All-Big Ten 2025 and typically has a strong and accurate arm, and hardly a microcosm of his breakout season. Yet it was also more indicative of what he'll see on an Sundays than a Saturday in Eugene or Corvallis.

Moore's decision likely spares the perpetually rebuilding Jets – and a roster that began getting stripped of talent at November's trade deadline – from a mistake. Though the NYJ touted the consistency of their offensive line at the end of the season, which they ended by losing a record five consecutive games by at least 23 points apiece, they hardly have the look of a team that's one young quarterback away from competing. And for a franchise that's failed to support and/or develop Mark Sanchez , Geno Smith , Sam Darnold , Zach Wilson and Justin Fields – and that's just over the past 15 years – asking Moore to deliver in the pressure cooker that is the New York market without a reputable QB sensei would have been a highly suspect decision.

Also, the NFL has done no favors to inexperienced passers taken as top-five picks in recent years – think Mitch Trubisky , Trey Lance or Anthony Richardson.

So while Moore returns to school in hopes of further polishing his game – and, make no mistake, it's a decision quite likely to cost him significant draft position (and money) in the 2027 draft, though could ultimately render him a better football player – where do the Jets go from here?

Here are four suggestions for Gang Green:

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore throws the ball against Texas Tech during the Orange Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 1, 2026.

Bring in a veteran QB with upside

Hard to imagine Fields is sticking around for the second year of the deal he signed last year – especially given his ongoing inability to develop as a passer, and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand's inability to consistently deploy the dual threat in a way that leverages Fields' talents as a runner.

As is typically the case, the crop of free agent quarterbacks is going to be thin. Kenny Pickett , Sam Howell and Malik Willis – and he might actually have a fairly robust market – seem like the best options (and, no, we're not advocating for Daniel Jones to return to New York).

Even though he'll be 38 next season, maybe Cousins could be a temporary option – given the relative strength of the Jets' line and his desire to remain a starter in the league, even if only in a bridge capacity. He's certainly closer to Jared Goff, whom Engstrand worked with in Detroit , than anyone else on this list. And the rebooting Falcons could more easily trade Cousins now from a salary cap perspective – though they might be compelled to retain him as Michael Penix Jr. recovers from his most recent knee injury.

But maybe the sweet spot solution is Mac Jones . A failed 2021 first-rounder alongside Wilson, Lance and Fields, Jones – like Darnold before him – has seemingly benefited from a year in Kyle Shanahan's quarterback halfway house with the San Francisco 49ers , winning five of eight starts this season while crafting a career-best 97.4 passer rating. Jones is a fiery competitor and has a demeanor teammates tend to gravitate toward. And as flush with draft capital as the Jets are after offloading Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner in November, sending, say, a third-rounder to the Niners for Jones, who's already under contract for 2026, could be a worthwhile gambit.

Draft a quarterback … but not early

The Jets have two first-round picks this year. They should use both with the always prudent "best player available" approach in mind to build out this roster. And unless the Raiders pass on Mendoza for some hard-to-fathom reason, that means the NYJ should be steering clear of QBs on Day 1 of the draft. The Jets also possess two second-round picks. But even then, using one on Alabama's Ty Simpson , for example, seems misguided given his own limitations. But if Simpson or LSU's Garrett Nussmeier or Clemson's Cade Klubnik , for example, are available in the middle rounds, any might be worth a flier given their upside and the general lack of expectations they'd carry forward from college at this point.

Draft a playmaker … early

Even if the Jets have no business taking a QB with the second pick, laying the groundwork for the eventual face of the franchise makes sense. WR Garrett Wilson and TE Mason Taylor , a second-round pick by this regime last year, could be the start of a nice suite of weapons.

But the Jets have probably over-targeted and overburdened the wispy Wilson in recent years – and he only played in seven games in 2025. Taking another Ohio State receiver, Carnell Tate – perhaps a similar, if slightly bigger (6-3, 195) version of Wilson – could be the right play. Buckeyes pass catchers translate very well to the NFL, and creating a tandem that could be a nice 1/1A combo would be sensible.

And though it's quite lofty for his position, perhaps lengthy consideration should be given to Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. The caveat is having a plan here – not tossing him into an unfortunate situation like the one Las Vegas ' Ashton Jeanty found himself in as a rookie. But remember, this offense – at least based on how it operates in Detroit – heavily relies on two backs, and the Jets may not have one frontliner if Breece Hall jets in free agency. Regardless, the dynamic Love might be perfectly utilized in some kind of time-share here, especially since his skills as a receiver would absolutely benefit any kind of quarterback − but especially a young one.

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NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

Nov. 1, 2026: Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) forces Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) to fumble near the goal line for a touchback. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons, 16-0 , in the pouring rain at Raymond James Stadium

(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Jan. 25, 2026: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye hands the ball to Rhamondre Stevenson during the fourth quarter of the AFC championship game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. The Patriots won the game, 10-7 , to reach the 12th Super Bowl in team history.

(Justin Edmonds, Getty Images)

Jan. 18, 2026: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford passes the ball against the Chicago Bears during an NFC divisional playoff game at snowy and frigid Soldier Field. The Rams prevailed, 20-17, in overtime to reach the NFC title game for the first time since the 2021 season.

(Patrick McDermott, Getty Images)

Jan. 18, 2026: New England Patriots defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) reacts after a sack against the Houston Texans in an AFC divisional playoff game at snowy Gillette Stadium. The Patriots prevailed, 28-16 , in a game that featured eight turnovers (six by the Texans).

(Brian Fluharty, Imagn Images)

Jan. 3, 2026: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield hands the ball off to Bucky Irving against the Carolina Panthers at rainy Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won the game, 16-14.
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)

Dec. 28, 2025: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills at rainy Highmark Stadium. The Eagles won the game, 13-12.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)

Dec. 14, 2025: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills snowy at Gillette Stadium. The Bills won the game, 35-31.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

Dec. 7, 2025: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) communicates between plays against the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium. Despite a heavy snowfall, the Bills and Bengals played a high-scoring game, which was won by Buffalo, 39-34.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)

Dec. 7, 2025: Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton (50) defends against a pass intended for Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. as snow falls at Huntington Bank Field. The Titans won the game, 31-29.
(Scott Galvin, Imagn Images)

Dec. 7, 2025: Heavy rain falls as Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball off to running back Sean Tucker for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Saints won the game, 24-20.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)

Nov. 9, 2025: New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Snow fell at Soldier Field for much of the game, which the Bears won, 24-20.
(Mike Dinovo, Imagn Images)

Jan. 19, 2025: Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an AFC divisional playoff game. The Bills won the game, 27-25, in snowy and chilly conditions at Highmark Stadium.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)

Jan. 19, 2025: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) prepares for a snap during the second half of an NFC divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won the game, 28-22.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)

Dec. 1, 2024: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) calls signals during a "Sunday Night Football" game against the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium. The Bills won the snow-covered game, 35-10, to clinch the AFC East division title for a fifth consecutive season.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)

Nov. 21, 2024: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns during a "Thursday Night Football" game at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns won the game, 24-19.
(Scott Galvin, Imagn Images)

Jan. 15, 2024: Snow covers Highmark Stadium before the AFC wild-card playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills. The Bills won the game, 31-17, after the contest was postponed a day due to a massive winter storm.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 13, 2024: The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Miami Dolphins 26-7 in a wild-card playoff game with a temperature of minus-4 at kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 7, 2024: New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs the ball against the New England Patriots at snowy Gillette Stadium. The Jets won the game, 17-3.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 31, 2023: Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) catches a 7-yard touchdown pass in front of Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III in the first half at snowy Soldier Field. The Bears won the game, 37-17.
(Jamie Sabau, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 17, 2023: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss during a game played in heavy rain at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won the game, 9-7.
(Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 22, 2023: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) leaps for a catch in the end zone against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC divisional playoff game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bengals won the game, 27-10.
(Kareem Elgazzar, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 24, 2022: Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson runs for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in frigid conditions at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Saints won the game, 17-10.
(Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 17, 2022: Buffalo Bills players clear an area on the field to prepare for the game-winning field goal against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium. Tyler Bass' 25-yard field goal gave the Bills a 32-29 win.
(Mark Konezny, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 17, 2022: Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens as snow falls during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won the game, 13-3.
(Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 22, 2022: San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould celebrates with teammate after kicking the game-winning field goal during the NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at cold and snowy Lambeau Field.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 2, 2022: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is tackled by the Atlanta Falcons' Duron Harmon (21) and Kendall Sheffield (20) in the snow at Highmark Stadium. The Bills won the game, 29-15.
(Mark Konezny, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 26, 2021: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive end Bilal Nichols (98) during the first quarter at snowy Lumen Field. The Bears won the game, 25-24.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 14, 2021: Snow falls at Lambeau Field as Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon breaks a tackle by the Seattle Seahawks' D.J. Reed. The Packers won the game, 17-0.
(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)

Oct. 24, 2021: The Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers play in a heavy rain at Levi's Stadium.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)

Dec. 27, 2020: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers scrambles for a first down before being tackled by Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans in the first quarter at Lambeau Field.
(Benny Sieu,USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 15, 2020: Rain falls during the game between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 23-17.
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)

Oct. 25, 2020: Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) rushes for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won the game, 43-16.
(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 15, 2019: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won the game, 23-3.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 1, 2019: Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) runs the ball in the snow against the New York Giants during a 31-13 win at MetLife Stadium.
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 1, 2019: The Baltimore Ravens' Chuck Clark (36) and Marlon Humphrey celebrate after forcing a fumble in a 20-17 win the rain against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium.
(Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 10, 2019: Snow falls during the fourth quarter of the Carolina Panthers-Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field. The Packers won, 24-16.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)

Oct. 20, 2019: San Francisco 49ers running back Tevin Coleman (26) is tackled by Washington Redskins defensive back Troy Apke (30) while carrying the ball at FedExField. The 49ers won the game, 9-0.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 12, 2019: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill dives for more yardage during an AFC divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won the game, 31-13, for the team's first home playoff win in 25 years.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 10, 2017: Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy runs past Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo in a snow storm at New Era Field. The Bills won in overtime, 13-7.
(Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 20, 2013: The Baltimore Ravens' Michael Oher (74), Marshal Yanda (73) and Gino Gradkowski stand on the snow-covered field during the national anthem before playing the Minnesota Vikings at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The Ravens won the game, 29-26.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)

Dec. 8, 2013: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell carries the ball as Miami Dolphins cornerback Dimitri Patterson (24) and defensive tackle Jared Odrick (98) pursue during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Dolphins won the game, 34-28.
(Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 8, 2013: Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball against the Washington Redskins in the snow at FedEx Field. The Chiefs won the game, 45-10.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 8, 2013: Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson returns a punt against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won the game, 34-20.
(Jeffrey G. Pittenger, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 17, 2013: The Chicago Bears' David Bass (91) and Corey Wootton (98) rush against the Baltimore Ravens at muddy Soldier Field. The Bears defeated the Ravens 23-20 in overtime.
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)

Sept. 25, 2011: Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams gets tackled by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers won the game, 16-10.
(Jeremy Brevard, US PRESSWIRE)

Jan. 16, 2011: Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte attempts to jump into the end zone but is stopped short by the Seattle Seahawks during a 2010 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field. The Bears won the game, 35-24.
(Doug Pensinger, Getty Images)

Dec. 20, 2010: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (26) breaks up a pass intended for Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) during the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Bears defeated the Vikings, 40-14.
(Brace Hemmelgarn, US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 12, 2010: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady directs the offense against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Patriots won the game, 36-7.
(Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images)

Jan. 3, 2010: A line judge watches play near the end zone of a snow covered field of play during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won the game, 30-7.
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)

Oct. 18, 2009: Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans -- dressed in the uniforms of the Houston Oilers -- leaves the field as the New England Patriots' Pierre Woods (58) and Mike Wright (99) converse at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 59-0.
(Jim Rogash, Getty Images)

Jan. 11, 2009: San Diego Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson catches a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an AFC divisional playoff game at snowy Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 35-24.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 21, 2008: New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 47-7.
(David Butler II, US PRESSWIRE)

Jan 20, 2008: New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin shouts to his team from the sidelines during the second quarter of the 2007 NFC Championship Game at Lambeau FIeld. The Giants beat the Packers, 23-20, in overtime.
(Todd Rosenberg, US PRESSWIRE)

Jan. 12, 2008: The Green Bay Packers line up against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field. The Packers won the game, 42-20.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)

Nov. 20, 2008: Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes reacts after a catch for a first down while playing the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 27-10.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

Dec. 16, 2007: Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor walks into the end zone after scoring the winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Jaguars won the game, 29-22.
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)

Nov. 26, 2007: Pittsburgh Steeler receiver Hines Ward tries to gain his footing after a catch against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 3-0.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

Feb. 4, 2007: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning scrambles out of the pocket against the Chicago Bears during Super Bowl XLI at Dolphins Stadium. The Colts won the game, 29-17, in the first Super Bowl played in the rain.
(Jason Parkhurst, US PRESSWIRE)

Nov. 27, 2006: Seattle Seahawks quarterback (8) Matt Hasselbeck throws against the Green Bay Packers at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks went on to a 34-24 win on "Monday Night Football."
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 11, 2005: Pittsburgh Steelers running back (36) Jerome Bettis runs against Chicago Bears at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 21-9.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Nov. 28, 2004: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller (7) looks to pass against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game, 24-3.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)

Dec. 12, 2004: Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee (21) carries the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Warrick Holdman attempts to make the tackle in the snow at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won the game, 37-7.
(Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports)

Sept. 26, 2004: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis (36) is tackled by the Miami Dolphins' Jay Williams (91). The playing conditions were tough because of Hurricane Jeanne. The Steelers won the game, 13-3.
(Allen Kee, NFL)

Dec. 28, 2002: Oakland Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) is tackled by the Kansas City Chiefs' Duane Clemons (99) during a game at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game, 24-0.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)

Dec. 17, 2000: Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George attempts to move away from Cleveland Browns defender Marquis Smith (21) at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Titans won, 24-9, with George gaining 176 rushing yards on 34 carries and three touchdowns.
(George Walker IV, The Tennessean)

Jan. 12 1997: Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Mathew Campbell gets adjusted to the climate during the 1996 NFC championship game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game, 30-13, in below-freezing temperatures during "Ice Bowl II."
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)

Jan. 4, 1997: The Green Bay Packers take on the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field. The Packers won the game, 35-14.
(Brian Bahr, Getty Images)

Nov. 25, 1993: Miami Dolphin running back Terry Kirby (43) loses the ball while being brought down by the Dallas Cowboys' Brock Marion (31), Leon Lett (78) and Bill Bates (40) during first quarter action on Thanksgiving Day at Texas Stadium. The Dolphins won the game, 16-14, which was played on a snow-covered field.
(PAUL K BUCK, AFP via Getty Images)

Dec. 31, 1988: The Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles play in the famous "Fog Bowl," a 1988 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field. The Bears won the game, 20-12.
(US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 1, 1985: The Green Bay Packers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 21-0, on Dec. 1, 1985, in the "Snow Bowl" at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

(Green Bay Press-Gazette)

Jan. 10, 1982: Linemen for the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers line up in sub-zero temperatures during the 1981 AFC championship game in what was dubbed "The Freezer Bowl" at Riverfront Stadium. Playing in 9-below zero temperatures and wind gusting to 40 miles per hour, the Bengals downed the Chargers, 27-7.
(The Enquirer, Gerry Wolter)

Dec. 26, 1977: Minnesota Vikings running back Chuck Foreman (44) in action against the Los Angeles Rams during the 1977 NFC divisional playoff Game at L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The rain-soaked playoff game in Los Angeles that would become known as the "Mud Bowl." The Vikings won the game, 14-7.
(David Boss, US PRESSWIRE)

Dec. 31, 1967: Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr (15) hands off to running back Donny Anderson (44) during the NFL championship game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 21-17. At minus-13 degrees, with a minus-48 wind chill, the "Ice Bowl" remains the NFL's coldest game ever. Gpg Ice Bowl Action 11092022 021
(Green Bay Press-Gazette)

Nov. 15, 1964: St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Charley Johnson (12) in action against the New York Giants at Busch Stadium. The game ended in a 10-10 tie.
(Herb Weitman, USA TODAY Sports)

Keep the phone lines open

Are the Jets likely to field an offer at No. 2 the way the Cleveland Browns did last year, when they traded down so the Jacksonville Jaguars could reel in Heisman Trophy winning WR/CB Travis Hunter ? Seems rather unlikely – especially in a draft so seemingly devoid of quarterback talent. But if the Jets can move out of the second spot – even if it means taking a bit less than a premium package – to slide back a handful of spots, they should. They have too many needs, especially defensively, to stick and pick in this draft unless they're absolutely convicted about someone like Love or a defender such as Buckeyes pass rusher Arvell Reese. But given the obvious signal the team sent that it's embarking on a lengthy rebuild, stockpiling assets – especially if that means extra ammo in what's expected to be a loaded 2027 draft – seems like the chess move for GM Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jets' QB options for 2026: What's next with Dante Moore out of draft?

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Bring in a veteran QB with upside

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NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️

NFL weather games: Football played in adverse conditions ❄️🌧️