Jets linked to NFL Draft trade involving Ty Simpson for unexpected reason

Q: Why are the Jets interested in trading for Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Jets are looking to address their quarterback needs, and Ty Simpson is seen as a potential solution after the expected first overall pick of Fernando Mendoza.

Q: Which team is expected to select Fernando Mendoza first overall in the NFL Draft?

The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Q: What position does Ty Simpson play in the NFL Draft?

Ty Simpson is a quarterback, and he is being considered by the Jets as they look to fill their quarterback position.

Q: What round is Ty Simpson likely to be picked in during the 2026 NFL Draft?

Ty Simpson is likely to be picked at the top of the second round, as he may not be selected in the first round.

Jets linked to NFL Draft trade involving Ty Simpson for unexpected reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets are coming into the 2026 NFL Draft with a few clear needs, quarterback being one of them.

With Fernando Mendoza set to go number one overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, the next-best option for the Jets at No. 2, or further down the board, would be Ty Simpson.

While the first round might not see Simpson get picked, at the top of the second round, ESPN's Rich Cimini linked the Jets to a trade involving Simpson, but with the Jets being the team to trade away the pick used to land Simpson.

Jets linked to Ty Simpson draft trade with QB-needy team in Round 2

"After Day 1, teams reassess their draft board and tend to get antsy if there's a player they really like," Cimini writes. "The Jets can sit back and field offers, deciding if it pays to move out of that spot. The pick could have intriguing value if quarterback Ty Simpson (Alabama) still is available."

The Jets' decision to trade the 33rd overall pick, the first pick of Day 2 and Round 2, would not be a major surprise at all.

With nearly 20 hours for teams to know who will be on the board with this pick after the first night of the draft, the Jets will be able to field trade calls and potentially drive up the price of this pick at the top of Round 2.

And Cimini highlighted how this pick could have some intriguing value if Simpson were to fall to the 33rd pick of the draft.

More: Jets predicted to trade up for Ty Simpson like Giants did for Jaxon Dart

Instead of the Jets taking Simpson with the 33rd pick, or trading up into the first round for a third pick and taking Simpson, there is a scenario where they trade out of the Simpson pick.

With Geno Smith the starter and the strong 2027 draft class, trading out of the 33rd pick and giving up on Simpson might not be a bad idea. They could add a lot more value in the draft, and take players who would be bigger helps in 2026 than in the future.

Simpson likely wouldn't start for the Jets right away in 2026, and even if he does start and doesn't look good, the Jets might be prepared to move on from all of their QBs when the 2027 NFL Draft comes around with a stacked QB class.

Instead of adding Simpson, they could trade down from the 33rd pick, let a team like some other QB-needy team take Simpson while landing some quality draft pick compensation down the board.