60 years ago, the fate of the New York Jets changed. With the first pick in the 1965 AFL Draft, New York selected University of Alabama quarterback Joe Namath. Within five years, the pick turned into a massive success. During that span, Namath became the first player to throw 4,000 yards in a season, Rookie of the Year, and AFL MVP, while leading the franchise to their first Super Bowl in the 1968 season.
Since then, New York has struggled to find that success with first-round quarterbacks. Since drafting Namath, New York has drafted six quarterbacks in the first round. Richard Todd, Ken O’Brien, Chad Pennington, Mark Sanchez, Sam Darnold, and Zach Wilson. Especially after the failed tenures of the last two, many around Draft circles have questioned if New York has an environment for one of the two top quarterbacks. It’s understandable to think it’s the “same old Jets,” and either Dante Moore or Fernando Mendoza would be a waste. However, the 2026 Jets are in a far better position to provide for a young quarterback than you may think.
Yes, the Jets Are a Better QB Destination Than You Think
The 2025 season will go down as one of the worst in franchise history for New York. While many have called for Aaron Glenn’s job, it was hard to capitalize on an often-injured team that won five games the season before he arrived. In fact, the fact that a rookie head coach only managed to lose two more games with the bare bones of this roster isn’t that bad. A lot of the problems on offense stemmed from inconsistency at the quarterback position. Between the trio of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook, they had arguably the single worst position group in the league. However, this had less to do with the environment than the actual players themselves. It’s the expectation that a rookie like Oregon‘s Dante Moore could elevate this area of the field. And they may be onto something.
It’s beyond lazy to suggest anyone should advise a rookie QB to avoid the #Jets. pic.twitter.com/DKUhWAPYKM
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) January 9, 2026
Young Offensive Line Full of Potential
A quarterback can only perform as well as the time the offensive line provides them. For the Jets, they’ve done well to build up the unit over the past three seasons. Drafted in the second round of 2023, former Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann has transitioned to right guard and impressed. He’s already considered among the best in the league in run blocking, and the move to guard has aided his pass protection.
Joining him on the interior is veteran center Josh Myers. The longtime Green Bay Packer came to New York to join former Ohio State teammates Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson. Originally meant as a backup, Myers started all 17 games this year. Left guard will be interesting with incumbent starter John Simpson heading for free agency. But this opens the door for the return of Alijah Vera-Tucker, who missed the season due to a torn tricep. While his injury history is a concern, it’s hard to deny his impact as one of the best guards in the league when on the field.
However, the real bread and butter has been the play of their two standout offensive tackles. Second-year left tackle Olu Fashanu had performed well as a full-time starter after sitting behind future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith for the majority of last season. The ex-Penn State Nittany Lion has only allowed six sacks this season, per PFF. Along with Fashanu, seventh overall pick Armand Membou has been as good as advertised at right tackle. At only 21 years old, Membou has been a stalwart in pass protection, ranking just outside the top 10 in PFF for pass protection. With Josh Myers, the oldest starter at 27 years old, this is a core that can continue to progress and grow in the long term.
Complimentary receiving options behind Garrett Wilson
A great quarterback is only as good as his offensive line. However, they still need receivers to catch the ball. Despite a season riddled with injuries, Garrett Wilson is still one of the best wide receivers in the league when healthy. When considering the changes offensive coordinator and quarterback he’s dealt with, Wilson went above and beyond with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. While desiring a true second option in the position group, New York does have some promise behind him. Originally considered a throw-in for the Ahmad Gardner to the Colts trade, Adonai Mitchell showed promise this year. After Garrett Wilson got hurt, Mitchell stepped up as the team’s primary target. While he did struggle with drops, Mitchell had his best season yet with 24 catches on 58 targets for 301 yards and his first two career touchdowns.
Joining Mitchell is another midseason addition in John Metchie III. While a restricted free agent, it’s expected that Metchie will remain with the team in 2026. After making the switch from Justin Fields to Tyrod Taylor, Metchie became the preferred target for the journeyman quarterback. Metchie finished the season with 29 catches for 256 yards, along with two touchdowns. New York is still expected to target a wide receiver early in the draft. But, the duo of Metchie and Mitchell can be a promising third & fourth option in the position group.
Mason Taylor is ready for more
In addition, second-round pick Mason Taylor showed the potential that made him sought after at LSU. Although his rookie season was cut short due to a neck injury, the second-generation player showed promise and ended 2025 with upside. His 369 receiving yards on 44 catches are the fourth most by a rookie tight end in team history. With a 6’5″ 250+lb frame, Taylor has the perfect size to be an optimal red zone threat. During his tenure with the Detroit Lions, Jets offensive coordinator played a large role in the development of Sam LaPorta. While not a one-for-one comparison, if anyone can help elevate Mason Taylor to his full potential, Engstrand is a good option for the job.
Main Photo: [Ben Longeran/The Register-Guard] – Imagn Images