PHOENIX — The Jets’ roster for the 2026 season is still a work in progress, but general manager Darren Mousey shared some positive thoughts on Monday regarding their recent activities and preparations for the NFL Draft.
“I’m pleased with our progress so far,” Mousey said about the team’s free agency dealings. “I was able to travel last week for pro days and workouts, which was exciting. I’m eager to return to Jersey this weekend to kick off the draft process, finalize my board, and really dig into the upcoming draft.”
During his eight-minute conversation with reporters, Mousey touched upon several subjects, from current players to potential future additions. This was his first press interaction since the team placed the franchise tag on running back Breece Hall. He expressed optimism about finalizing a long-term deal with Hall before the July 15 deadline.
“Things are looking promising for Breece,” Mousey mentioned. “Once we get through the draft, my focus will shift back to him, and I really hope we can solidify something.”
Before diving into contract talks, Mousey must address the draft. The Jets hold two picks in both the first and second rounds, raising questions about whether they will select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The team recently conducted a private workout with Simpson and had dinner with him the night before.
“I had a great time visiting with Tai,” Mousey said. “Dinner was nice, and we even had a training session in the morning. It was a very good experience.”
However, Simpson’s limited playing time—only 15 starts at Alabama—raises concerns. “We definitely need more data to go on,” Mousey acknowledged. “Expectations are always high for drafted players, so having a larger sample size might improve his prospects. That said, we’re going to evaluate everything carefully, and there are some encouraging signs from his games.”
There’s some speculation that the Jets might part ways with a quarterback this year, as the 2027 draft seems to offer better quarterback options. When asked about the influence of next year’s draft on current decisions, Mousey commented, “Sure, those discussions happen gradually, but our main focus remains on the tasks at hand. There’s still a lot to accomplish and numerous opportunities this year.”
In terms of their current quarterback situation, Mousey confirmed discussions regarding the trade for Geno Smith, who will be the starter in 2026. “We had a lot of constructive conversations about Geno,” he noted. “You all know him well and he’s quite familiar with what we’re doing here in New York. He performed well last year, and we have players familiar with him who believe he fits what we want to accomplish moving forward.”
As it stands, Smith, Bailey Zappe, and Brady Cook are the only quarterbacks on the roster, meaning the Jets might need to bring in a backup before the draft. “We’re comfortable with our quarterback group, but it’s possible we’ll add another player there,” Mousey said. “We’ll keep an eye on the quarterback market.”
The team also has a notable gap at the second wide receiver spot, but Mousey appears unconcerned. “I’m satisfied with our wide receiver lineup,” he mentioned. “Getting Garrett Wilson back to full health is huge for us, and I’m excited to see AD Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, and Ariane Smith continue to develop. Of course, as with any position, we’ll always evaluate the market for opportunities to enhance our competition and depth.”
