Dante Moore will remain at Oregon Green.
The 2026 draft’s No. 2 pick, poised to be the Jets’ future quarterback, announced his decision to head back to school on Wednesday.
This raises a question: if not Justin Fields (who could be let go), then who will suit up as the Jets’ quarterback in 2026?
Here are ten candidates, featuring four potential draft picks alongside six veteran players available through trades or free agency.
Ty Simpson, Alabama
Simpson is often listed as the No. 2 quarterback in mock drafts, but one scout described him as more of a “flyer pick” for the mid-to-late first round. He led the SEC last season with 305 completions, tossing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions, although he’s only had 15 career starts.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss seems to view the NFL as a secondary path, currently appealing a decision that denied him six years of eligibility by the NCAA. A dual-threat player, he can fit the ball into narrow spaces. Before this, he spent four years at Division II Ferris State University, where he clinched a national title.
Carson Beck, Miami
Beck’s journey has been quite remarkable. Once projected as a top pick for the 2025 draft, he faced challenges with interceptions at Georgia. After transferring to Miami, he’s now focused on a national title game.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Experience can be crucial for immediate NFL readiness. Nussmeier has seen five years at LSU, including three as a backup. His gameplay reflects the insights of a coach’s kid, with his father serving as an offensive coordinator for the Saints.
Kyler Murray, Cardinals
There seemed to be a looming separation between Murray and the Cardinals, but perhaps the new head coach will opt for a different direction? He was limited to just five games last season due to a Lisfranc injury and lost to Jacoby Brissett when healthy. Murray is under contract through 2027, with a guaranteed salary of $22.8 million for 2026.
Kirk Cousins, Falcons
Cousins nearly signed with the Jets rather than the Vikings during his free agency stint. However, the Jets might not be getting the best version of Cousins now. He has a no-trade clause but could be released, incurring a dead cap hit of $35 million. The quarterback situation for the Falcons remains uncertain.
Malik Willis, Packers
A move for Willis could echo Fields’ earlier choices. The 26-year-old, a former third-round pick by the Titans, has only started six games to date but stepped in for the injured Jordan Love this past season. Given the free agent landscape, he might command a surprisingly robust contract.
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
The question remains: will the Dolphins take a $99 million hit on their salary cap to part ways with Tagovailoa? As the new coaching staff reshapes the team, such a decision seems more plausible. His history of injuries and performance in colder climates are valid concerns.
Mac Jones, 49ers
Shanahan and McVay showing faith in Darnold and Mayfield might open the door for Jones, a former Pro Bowler who started eight games in place of Brock Purdy, throwing twice as many touchdowns as interceptions. There’s a sense he’s keen to remain with the Patriots.
Russell Wilson, Giants
The Hall of Famer won’t have to persuade his pop star wife, Ciara, to relocate again. Despite showcasing his abilities with a 450-yard game in Week 2, Wilson found himself demoted to third-string. He’ll enter free agency for the third year running.
