If you’re asking who is jets quarterback right now, you’re probably looking for a name that inspires a little more confidence than what’s currently on the depth chart at One Jets Drive. It's January 2026. The dust is barely settling on a brutal 3–14 season. Honestly, the answer to the quarterback question depends entirely on whether you mean "who took the last snap" or "who is actually the future."
The New York Jets finished the 2025 season with a rotation that looked more like a game of musical chairs than a professional football strategy.
The Current Names on the Roster
As of this week, the "starter" is technically Tyrod Taylor. He’s 36. He’s a pro’s pro, but he was brought in to be the safety net, not the skyscraper. When Justin Fields struggled and eventually hit the Injured Reserve, Tyrod did what he always does: he played efficient, mostly mistake-free football while the ship sank around him.
But here’s the kicker—Tyrod is a free agent. His contract is effectively up.
Then you have Justin Fields. The Jets took a massive $40 million swing on him with a two-year deal, thinking they could "fix" the former Bears and Steelers dual-threat. It didn't happen. He’s still under contract for 2026 with a $10 million guarantee, but after being benched for Taylor late in the season, his status as the "franchise guy" is basically non-existent.
Rounding out the room, you’ve got:
- Brady Cook: The rookie out of Missouri who saw some garbage-time action.
- Hendon Hooker: A depth piece that hasn't quite carved out a role.
- Bailey Zappe: Just signed to a Reserve/Future contract on January 12, 2026.
Why the Aaron Rodgers Era Still Looms
You can’t talk about who is jets quarterback without acknowledging the ghost of Aaron Rodgers. It’s wild to think about, but Rodgers just finished a playoff run with the Pittsburgh Steelers while the Jets were watching from home.
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The breakup was messy. Rodgers has spent the last few days taking subtle (and not-so-subtle) jabs at the Jets organization, calling Pittsburgh one of the only "special places" left in the league. For Jets fans, seeing Rodgers lead the Steelers to an AFC North title while New York cycled through three different starters felt like a gut punch. It leaves the front office under Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey in a desperate spot. They need a win, and they need it yesterday.
Who Is Jets Quarterback in the 2026 Draft?
The real answer to the quarterback question is likely a kid currently sitting in a college dorm room. Because the Jets were so bad in 2025, they’ve landed the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Most scouts and "Gang Green" insiders are pointing directly at Dante Moore from Oregon. There's also talk about Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. If you’re a betting person, the 2026 starter isn't on the roster yet. It’s going to be a rookie.
The Justin Fields experiment proved that retreads and "second-chance" projects aren't working in the Meadowlands. The fan base is exhausted. They don't want another bridge veteran like Tyrod Taylor, even though he's a likable guy. They want a savior.
What Happens Next
The Jets are in a "sink or swim" offseason. They have the cap space. They have the draft capital. But they don't have the guy.
If you are tracking the roster for fantasy purposes or just out of morbid curiosity, keep your eyes on the scouting reports for Moore and Mendoza. The team has already started signing "Future" contracts like the one for Bailey Zappe, but those are just camp arms. The real move happens in April.
Actionable Insights for Jets Fans:
- Watch the Draft Order: The Jets hold the #2 pick. Unless they trade it for a veteran (unlikely given the Fields outcome), that is where your new QB lives.
- Monitor the Fields Contract: The Jets might try to trade Justin Fields to a team looking for a backup to clear that $10 million cap hit.
- Ignore the "Camp Arm" Signings: Don't get distracted by names like Bailey Zappe; these are roster-fillers for the preseason.
The search for a permanent answer to who is jets quarterback continues, and for a franchise that hasn't had a truly elite signal-caller since Joe Namath, the pressure of the 2026 Draft is higher than ever.