For the New York Jets, there's no doubt that the 2026 NFL season will be an important step in the franchise's rebuilding process.
The Jets made several big moves during the offseason, including selecting three players in the first round of the NFL Draft while overhauling both sides of the ball in free agency.
However, quarterback remains the biggest question facing the franchise. New York has spent years searching for a long-term answer under center. This year, the franchise will turn to Geno Smith to provide stability, but questions remain about whether he can become the team's long-term answer .
Because of that, New York may already be looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft in its search for a franchise quarterback.
The Jets Could Be Eyeing 2027
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Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox recently broke down each NFL division and suggested that the Jets may already have their sights set on the 2027 NFL Draft to find their long-term answer at quarterback.
“The Jets, meanwhile, are most likely playing for 2027 and beyond. While incoming rookies David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper Jr., and D'Angelo Ponds should be fun to watch this season, New York's next quarterback of the future probably isn't on the roster," Knox wrote.
“The 2027 draft class, which is expected to be headlined by Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Darian Mensah and other top signal-callers, is almost certainly where the Jets' next QB resides. New York already owns three first-round picks in next year's draft.”
The Jets Quarterback Situation
While Knox believes that the Jets could take a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft for now, Smith has a chance to change the narrative.
The veteran returns to the franchise that drafted him in 2013 after reviving his career following a successful stint with the Seattle Seahawks.
Smith will certainly have a significant challenge ahead of him in 2026 as he takes over the Jets' offense. Behind him, Cade Klubnik, Bailey Zappe, and Brady Cook will provide depth, but none has established himself as the long-term answer.
If Smith regresses during the 2026 season, the Jets can find themselves in position to use one of their first-round picks in the 2027 draft on a quarterback.
The 2027 quarterback class is expected to feature several highly regarded prospects, including Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and Darian Mensah. If the Jets cannot solidify the position this season, then New York could once again find itself searching for its quarterback of the future.
