Jets Possibly Trading Up For No. 1 Prospect Fernando Mendoza Leaves Stephen A. Smith Furious: “(Jets) are Hot Garbage”

Rumors are ripe that the New York Jets are entertaining the idea of trading up to No. 1 to select Fernando Mendoza.

Jets Possibly Trading Up For No. 1 Prospect Fernando Mendoza Leaves Stephen A. Smith Furious: “(Jets) are Hot Garbage”

Jets HC Aaron Glenn, Stephen A. Smith, and Fernando Mendoza (Image via Imago/49ers Sportstalk/X)

In Short
  • New York Jets are considering trading up for quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza.
  • Stephen A. Smith criticized the Jets, calling them "hot garbage" and questioning their ability to support a young quarterback.
  • Peter Schrager believes Mendoza could be the stabilizing presence the Jets need, unlike their previous quarterbacks.

With the NFL Combine proving that Fernando Mendoza is likely the only decent quarterback prospect, many teams, such as the New York Jets, are left with head-scratching decisions over their future.

The franchise desperately needs someone to bring stability to the position. Aaron Rodgers‘ time proved that they needed someone young and without the theatrics that come with an established quarterback.

When they pivoted to Justin Fields, it became apparent that he was not the answer and probably needed a few more years of development at Ohio State before he came into the league.

The Jets indeed have the luxury of waiting one more year and looking at the plethora of options available in the 2027 draft. But time is running out, and there are rumors that they could be enticed to trade up one spot with Mendoza on the horizon.

You are straight garbage, you are hot garbage… The Jets are equivalent of cheese and meat stuck in a suitcase… As much as they need a QB, they have just shown a propensity to be so awful… We should be thinking about Fernando Mendoza… Why should we subject him to that kind of imminent misery?

Stephen A. Smith said on First Take

This was the ESPN analyst’s reaction to those rumors, as he believes there is no franchise worse in the National Football League than the New York Jets.

He reminded Garrett Wilson that he was looking out for the receiver’s future, as the franchise he plays for is that bad. That is why Stephen A. Smith hopes the Jets do not make Fernando Mendoza’s life miserable.

Stephen A. Smith’s colleague thinks Fernando Mendoza is perfect for Jets

Stephen A. has often made it clear how much he despises the New York Jets. However, his colleague, Peter Schrager, thinks that the franchise could not do any better than trade up for Fernando Mendoza.

I actually love this trade for the Jets. I think Mendoza will be an incredible piece for the Jets to build around based on where their franchise has been… Demeanor, personality, there is nobody more suited for what this team needs in this market.

Peter Schrager said

The former Good Morning Football analyst pointed out to his First Take co-panelists how the Jets have similar parallels to the Indiana Hoosiers, who Fernando Mendoza just led to the college football championship.

Schrager believes that, unlike Aaron Rodgers’ time, the Heisman Trophy winner native could be the calming presence the Jets desperately need. They need someone who can hold his ground against the usually intimidating New York media.

That makes any sort of compensation for this trade up to the No. 1 overall pick worth it. Moreover, the analyst pointed out how the Jets need a stable hand at their most important position.

Not everyone is sold on Fernando Mendoza

Even though Peter Schrager and Stephen A. Smith believe that Fernando Mendoza is the de facto No. 1 overall pick, not many are convinced of his abilities.

Mock drafts have Fernando Mendoza going No. 1
Mock drafts have Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 (Image via Underdog/X)

Their ESPN colleagues, Dan Orlovsky and Mike Greenberg, have stated that both the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Jets should stay away from the Indiana alum. The Get Up host went on to state this:

No, the Jets should not trade away their draft capital for Fernando Mendoza. In fact, if they had the first pick, I would advocate trading it. Find a placeholder QB and build a team, there will be other quarterbacks when the right time comes.

Mike Greenberg wrote

With Alabama QB Ty Simpson seemingly inviting the Jets to draft him, the 2026 NFL Draft could either throw surprises or it could go as most mock drafts have predicted.

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