The vacation season is quickly approaching.
However at 2-8, the Jets have been on Santa’s naughty checklist the complete yr, which can doubtless lead to one other frosty winter with no playoff look.
Though they’re simply enjoying out the string of the common season, the Jets hope to get just a few victories alongside the way in which and create some constructive momentum heading right into a crucial offseason for coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey. With all of the draft capital they acquired by dealing each Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams this month, on the high of the Jets’ want checklist is a franchise quarterback.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Oregon’s Dante Moore are attainable QB choices in subsequent yr’s draft. But in addition, how about some receivers and a protection that may make a cease on third down?
However earlier than getting too far forward of ourselves, let’s reply just a few fan questions in our newest Jets mailbag.
What ought to the Jets soccer staff be grateful on this season of Thanksgiving? — @MrEd315
Draft capital and adaptability are the 2 issues the Jets group ought to be glad about forward of the vacation season.
Gang Inexperienced will enter the offseason with two first-round picks in 2026, its personal and the Colts’ after the Gardner commerce. As well as, the Jets may have the Cowboys’ second-round choose and their very own to assist replenish a roster that wants an abundance of expertise. Clearly, the quarterback place can be mentioned at nauseam for the subsequent 5 months.
However the Jets even have roster holes at receiver, cornerback and security. In addition they may have two offensive linemen, relying on what occurs with guards John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, who each are impending free brokers.
The Jets are projected to have near $100 million of wage cap house at their disposal. The 2025 season has clearly been a nightmare, however the Jets may have a possibility so as to add many gamers who may assist them subsequent yr, assuming they select properly.
In the event that they fall out of the highest 4 within the draft and also you’re not completely offered on Mendoza or Simpson sufficient to commerce up, would you then use the first-rounders on different wants & use the early second-round choose on the OU or LSU QB in the event that they’re obtainable at that time? — @heshsson
My plan for the Jets subsequent offseason is to discover a veteran quarterback like Jacoby Brissett or Marcus Mariota who can proper the ship for a bit earlier than beginning a rookie. Regardless of if it’s Mendoza or Simpson, I imagine the Jets shouldn’t throw a rookie quarterback into the hearth instantly. We’ve seen that story earlier than when the Jets drafted Zach Wilson in 2021, and, clearly, that didn’t work out effectively.
In your situation, it could profit the Jets to encompass the quarterback with the very best expertise attainable. They clearly want a few receivers reverse Garrett Wilson and presumably a brand new beginning working again, relying on what occurs with Breece Corridor, who can be an unrestricted free agent in March. A few school prospects who could be an improve embody Washington’s Denzel Boston and Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion.
The Jets ought to take the very best obtainable participant if they aren’t in love with transferring as much as choose a QB. There can be a lot expertise within the 2026 draft that groups shouldn’t should commerce as much as discover gamers who could make a right away affect.
What number of winnable Jets video games are left on the schedule? — @brubeedoobee
Three video games stick out when it comes to attainable wins throughout the Jets’ remaining seven. Atlanta didn’t seem like a attainable win in the beginning of the season, however with Michael Penix Jr. out for the season and Kirk Cousins now at quarterback, the Jets may definitely win that sport.
Miami and New Orleans are additionally video games the Jets have a very good shot to win. The Dolphins, whereas enjoying higher currently, have been largely inconsistent. The Saints could possibly be the worst staff within the NFL and have an equally dangerous quarterback scenario with Tyler Shough.
I might be shocked if the Jets misplaced all their remaining video games, as a result of the gamers, whether or not they’re right here or elsewhere subsequent season, have satisfaction and are enjoying for his or her subsequent job.
At what level is that this regime going to be anticipated to make the playoffs? — @Bone_Shaw
Jets followers aren’t essentially the most affected person individuals on the planet. However they might have to attend one other season or two for a attainable playoff look.
It’s going to be difficult to put playoff expectations on a rookie quarterback subsequent yr, particularly when the Jets are more likely to make wholesale modifications to a roster that’s nonetheless stuffed with gamers from the Robert Saleh period. May it occur, sure, after all, particularly since we noticed the Commanders with Jayden Daniels take a staff all the way in which to the NFC title sport in Yr 1 final season.
Because of this the Jets can’t wait till 2027 to draft a franchise quarterback. Followers wish to see outcomes now, or not less than progress that makes them imagine the Jets will finally have an opportunity to contend.
Actually, Glenn and Mougey must be anticipated to take the Jets to the playoffs by 2027. Three seasons is an honest period of time to flip a roster and contend on this league, assuming they discover the suitable gamers on each side of the ball.
