Report expands on how Jets’ interest in Simpson isn’t just a ‘smokescreen’

The buzz around the New York Jets and Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson continues to grow. 

In a story published Sunday, ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported the Jets brass has spent considerable time with the QB ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft (scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh). That suggests the rumors linking Simpson to the AFC East team aren’t just smoke.

Report expands on why Ty Simpson-Jets rumors may be legit 

Per Cimini, the Jets had dinner with Simpson on Thursday after his pro day in Tuscaloosa, Ala. New York then held a private workout with the QB on Friday, which included head coach Aaron Glenn, general manager Darren Mougey, offensive coordinator Frank Reich and QBs coach Bill Musgrave. 

“Some might be wondering if the Simpson flirtation is a smokescreen. It’s not; there is some level of interest,” wrote Cimini. “How much remains to be seen. This much is clear: The Jets are doing a deep dive into the QB class.”

The Jets also reportedly scouted Miami Hurricanes QB Carson Beck (6-foot-5, 233 pounds), Penn State Nittany Lions QB Drew Allar (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) and LSU Tigers QB Garrett Nussmeier (6-foot-2, 203 pounds). Simpson, however, is the only passer in this crop who may be a first- or early second-round pick. 

Would it be a good idea for the Jets to take Ty Simpson? 

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL QB, went viral for saying Simpson is the draft’s QB1, not Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza (6-foot-5, 236 pounds), the presumptive No. 1 pick. Most draft experts disagree with that take.

Simpson (6-foot-1, 211 pounds) tied for 12th in the FBS in touchdown passes (28) last season but lacks prototypical size and experience. He started in 15 games at Alabama. Most teams want a QB to have 25-30 starts under his belt when he turns pro. That gives him a better chance of succeeding in the NFL. 

The Jets own two first-round picks (No. 2 and No. 16). They’re not expected to use their first selection on Simpson but may opt to take him later in the first round. ESPN’s Jordan Reid wouldn’t do that.

“I wouldn’t be in a rush to draft a quarterback this year,” Reid said, via Cimini. “Personally, I don’t have Simpson rated that high at No. 16 overall. That would be a little too rich for me. But if he’s there with one of those other picks in the second round (33 and 44), I would feel a little bit better about that.” 

The Jets could wait until 2027 to take an offensive signal-caller. That class looks much deeper at QB, as it’s headlined by Arch Manning (Texas Longhorns) and Dante Moore (Oregon Ducks).

Glenn, however, may wait to find his guy after a 3-14 season. New York acquired QB Geno Smith in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, but he tossed a league-leading 17 interceptions in 15 starts last season. Does the coach think Simpson could be the answer? Some of his latest moves suggest so.