Dante Moore’s Decision Shakes Up Jets’ QB Situation

Dante Moore’s announcement on Wednesday that he would return to Oregon genuinely caught Jets fans off guard. This effectively sidelines their prospects of nabbing a franchise quarterback in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Now, teams might need to get a bit more inventive—or, perhaps, take a step back. In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft, the Jets are projected to select a linebacker with the No. 2 overall pick. It’s a daunting scenario for a 3-14 team languishing at the bottom of the AFC East. But what if Moore’s choice had been different? What does this franchise really need?

Don’t misunderstand me. I believe Moore has the potential to become a great NFL quarterback. However, predicting success for college quarterbacks is notoriously tricky. It’s often more about luck than actual skill on the part of any organization. Take a look at the current landscape of the league—it’s, well, messy. There are starting quarterbacks right now who once sat on the bench, and then there are those who weren’t even top-tier prospects but have succeeded against the odds. You can analyze Moore’s game film and admire his quick release and various throwing skills—but, really, it’s still somewhat of a gamble.

This is where the Jets come into the picture. Moore’s return may actually be a blessing in disguise for them. The franchise hasn’t had a dependable starting quarterback for over three decades. The last time a Jets quarterback began more than six seasons was Ken O’Brien back in 1991. They’ve cycled through numerous quarterbacks since 2005—from Chad Pennington to Mark Sanchez, and Geno Smith to Zach Wilson, plus less-than-stellar seasons with Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre thrown in. It’s a troubling record of mediocrity.

And it’s not for lack of trying. Over the last two decades, the Jets have drafted six quarterbacks in the first or second rounds, all of whom ultimately failed—some, like Geno Smith and Sam Darnold, even found success elsewhere.

Moore’s decision to stay at Oregon might just keep the Jets from falling into their usual traps. It’s true that no football organization is the same across the board, and general managers come and go, but the Jets have missed their mark time and again at the QB position.

The Jets have spent years insisting they were “off QB,” but in reality, the culture within the organization was rotten. They thought they’d found the right coach in Robert Saleh, yet he was ousted when Zach Wilson’s struggles necessitated a scapegoat. Drafting Moore might have just put another coach in a similar predicament. The narrative often goes that they’re “one quarterback away” from success, which can make coaching changes feel like desperation.

Will Glenn prove to be an effective head coach? Early signs haven’t been overly promising, but at least he and general manager Darren Mosey are acknowledging cultural issues. They made the surprising decision to trade away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, which seemed bold. This move could save valuable draft capital, but it also highlights the absurdity of focusing on specific positional talents when the team is in such disarray.

A significant cultural shift is underway, though it could be painful. The Jets need to define their identity beyond just the quarterback situation—the way many teams in the NFL are starting to do, beginning with enhancing their pass rush, which was abysmal last season. That’s the rationale behind selecting Ohio State linebacker Arbel Reese in the latest mock draft. He’s not only a skilled athlete but also brings a sense of accountability to the team, reflecting Glenn’s approach.

Players like Mason Taylor and Francisco Mauigoa appear to be promising additions. The Jets had a surprisingly good draft in 2025 with options like Armando Menbou and Malachi Moore potentially becoming stars. Focusing solely on getting a franchise quarterback wouldn’t help them solidify these building blocks of a team; it would only slow progress. Investing in a quarterback during the top picks often halts everything else, diverting attention to developing that player—something that can harm other facets of the team. Just look at the Tennessee Titans’ struggles last season to understand what can go wrong without a solid foundation.

The Jets’ long-standing strategy has revolved around quarterbacks, often leading to a cycle of disappointments. Now, they might need to consider giving Moore a “consolation prize.” The gap in potential between Moore and the top pick, Fernando Mendoza, feels far less daunting than when they shifted from Trevor Lawrence to Zach Wilson a couple of years back.

If the Jets can build on this foundation while nurturing a disciplined and committed culture, they could finally have a genuine chance. Shifting their focus to fixing deeper issues instead of placing undue pressure on a quarterback can facilitate this change. A successful draft could see them gather two first-round picks and a second—this transition may lead to a fresh start by 2027, largely thanks to the trades involving Gardner and Williams. If they manage to draft effectively, they could have the right talent mix, gain flexibility for future acquisitions, and potentially discover their future quarterback.

In short, Moore’s return signals a new direction for the Jets—one without the immediate pressure to acquire a quarterback. This gives them a chance to step back, regroup, and focus on assembling a well-rounded football team that can eventually nurture a quarterback from a position of strength.