Jets predicted to swing another QB trade after Raiders deal for Geno Smith

The New York Jets are entering the 2026 NFL Draft season in April without a backup plan behind Geno Smith after trading for him from the Las Vegas Raiders.

That deal wasn't a bad idea, especially since it was such a cheap move that it also didn't cost much money. But, in the draft, without clear-cut options worth taking early, the Jets might have to pivot to a different quarterback plan.

Brent Solbeski of Bleacher Report shared a prediction for the Jets that would have them acquire another QB this offseason by way of a trade. This prediction would have Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey swinging their second QB trade to try to find a starter.

Jets predicted to make bold QB trade despite Geno Smith deal

"As part of the cascading effect with the Arizona Cardinals potentially moving up for Ty Simpson and the New York Jets finding themselves as a squad possibly without a young quarterback for the team's starting job, general manager Darren Mougey will need to get creative," Sobleski.

The Jets swinging a deal for a young quarterback this offseason might only happen if they cannot find a way to bring in Ty Simpson, the Alabama quarterback, during the NFL Draft.

It's entirely possible that a team, including the Arizona Cardinals, jumps back into the first-round after the Jets' 16th overall pick and before their 33rd overall pick to select Simpson.

More: Aaron Glenn predicted to add three QBs to NFL roster this offseason

In such a scenario, the Jets wouldn't have a good quarterback option in the draft who could be confidently started in 2026. That would, in turn, open the door to a trade.

Someone like Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints, Tanner McKee of the Philadelphia Eagles, Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers, or Davis Mills of the Houston Texans would be worth considering.

If they have time, they could turn one of their second-round picks at No. 33 or 44 into a quarterback, or they could use a few later picks and a pick-swap to land a young quarterback to compete with Smith.

While all signs point to Smith being the Week 1 starter, the Jets could land a new QB to give the offense another option. Sobleski's prediction would make sense if they lost out on Simpson and wanted to get a high-upside QB on the roster other than Smith.

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• Jets get bad news as Jaguars don’t look poised to trade Brian Thomas Jr. despite trade rumors
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