The New York Jets are back at it, and the football world is watching with a familiar mix of curiosity and concern. According to ESPN insiders Field Yates and Adam Schefter, the franchise has scheduled a private workout with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a move that signals their interest in the Crimson Tide star as they head into the draft with significant capital.
Holding the No. 2 and No. 16 overall picks in the first round, the Jets are in a prime position to make a splash. Simpson, who had a standout season as Alabama's starter, completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He led his team to the SEC Championship Game and secured Second-Team All-SEC honors, solidifying his status as a top-tier prospect.
A Crowded Quarterback Landscape
While Fernando Mendoza is the consensus top quarterback for the 2026 class, Simpson is widely viewed as the next name on the list. However, opinions on his draft stock vary significantly. Many analysts see a considerable gap between the top two, with some projections even placing Simpson outside the first round entirely. Notably, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has been a vocal supporter, bucking the trend by championing Simpson's game film. In a recent piece, Orlovsky Refuses to Back Down: 'Simpson's Tape Trumps Mendoza's Traits', he made a compelling case for the Alabama passer's abilities.
The Jets' history with developing young quarterbacks, however, casts a long shadow over any potential union. For decades, the team has been a graveyard for quarterback promise, struggling to nurture talent drafted in the early rounds. From early flameouts to players who found success only after leaving New York, the list of disappointments is lengthy and well-documented.
The Jets' Daunting Track Record
It's a legacy that can't be ignored. The organization has cycled through high-draft-pick passers who either faltered immediately, like Mark Sanchez and Zach Wilson, or required a change of scenery to finally thrive, as seen with Sam Darnold and Geno Smith. Others, like Christian Hackenberg, never even saw meaningful action. This pattern creates a legitimate question: Is any quarterback prospect, no matter how talented, set up for failure in green and white?
Simpson's potential infatuation with the Big Apple might complicate matters. Rumors have swirled about the quarterback's personal preferences, with some reports suggesting Ty Simpson's Heart Belongs to New York. While any player would be thrilled to hear his name called on draft day, the Jets' environment presents a unique challenge.
Beyond the quarterback room, Alabama athletes have been in the headlines for various reasons recently, from bracket predictions to off-court incidents. While Simpson prepares for his NFL future, the Alabama community has faced tragedy, with the heartbroken family of a slain student pleading for privacy. It's a reminder of the separate worlds these young athletes navigate.
The Jets are not the only team with eyes on Simpson. The quarterback carousel is always spinning, and other franchises in need of a long-term answer are doing their homework. For instance, the Steelers are also eyeing the Alabama star as they potentially plan for life after their current veteran.
With four selections in the top 50, the Jets have the ammunition to address multiple needs. Whether they use one of those precious picks on Ty Simpson will be one of the draft's most intriguing storylines. Will they break the cycle, or is history destined to repeat itself? For Jets fans and Ty Simpson alike, the answer will define the next chapter.
