Alabama’s Ty Simpson Wanting to Play for the Jets Has NFL Fans in Shock – “Huge Red Flag”

The Alabama quarterback who only ever made 15 starts in college football, wants to play for the New York Jets.

Alabama’s Ty Simpson Wanting to Play for the Jets Has NFL Fans in Shock – “Huge Red Flag”

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and Jets head coach Aaron Glenn inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Ty Simpson expressed his desire to play for the New York Jets after a positive meeting at the NFL Combine.
  • The Jets hold the #2 and #16 overall picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, increasing their options for selecting a quarterback.
  • Concerns arise among fans regarding the Jets' history of mishandling young quarterbacks, raising skepticism about Simpson's potential success.

Since the Las Vegas Raiders are the clear favorites to select Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets must explore other options to find their next quarterback. One quarterback who wants to play for the New York outfit is Ty Simpson.

The Alabama quarterback recently made his intentions clear about playing for Aaron Glenn‘s team in the AFC East. According to reports from Jake Asman of the New York media via Barstool Sports, Simpson had a fruitful meeting with the Jets at the NFL Combine.

It was really cool. I got to talk to Frank Reich [offensive coordinator] and those guys. We just got to talk ball, and they are the best, so if I get to play for them, it will be awesome.

Ty Simpson said

Simpson is already embracing the Jets culture, and to show his love for Gang Green, he shouted, “J-E-T-S… Jets, Jets, Jets.”

The Jets pick twice in the top 15. They hold the #2 and #16 overall picks (received from the Colts in a trade involving CB Sauce Gardner last year).

Fans on social media react to Ty Simpson showing his interest in playing for the Jets

Glenn set lofty goals for himself during his first year managing the club, which he had played for a long time. However, without having prior head coaching experience, Glenn struggled to change the culture.

Alabama's Ty Simpson Wanting to Play for the Jets Has NFL Fans in Shock - "Huge Red Flag"
Ty Simpson (Image via IMAGO)

Not only did the Jets’ win count decrease compared to 2024, but they also landed a few unwanted records. Justin Fields, once rated a top dual-threat quarterback, was benched a few times for veteran Tyrod Taylor and rookie Brady Cook. Fields still has one more year left on his two-year contract, but given the state of the franchise, he could be released or traded.

Meanwhile, the Jets were linked to Dante Moore before the Oregon quarterback decided to forgo the draft and return to Oregon to play another year of college football. Moore was viewed as the second-best QB in the draft behind Mendoza and projected to be selected by the Jets. According to rumors, Moore chose Oregon because he wanted to avoid playing for the Jets.

While it wasn’t explicitly mentioned, the saying “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” often implies that there may be some truth to the rumors. Because of this, a lot of football fans questioned Simpson’s enthusiasm for joining a team that has a track record of mistreating young quarterbacks like Sam Darnold.

Skepticism regarding Simpson’s ability as QB1 in the NFL stems from the fact that he started only 15 games in college. That said, he looked solid in limited game time. In 2025, he completed 305-of-473 passes (64.5%) for 3,567 yards, threw 28 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in leading the Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record. Alabama made it to the quarterfinals of the CFB Playoffs, losing 38-3 in the Rose Bowl to Mendoza’s Indiana.

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. projected the Jets to draft Simpson at 16. Although Kiper acknowledged that there isn’t sufficient tape to fully assess Simpson’s potential, he demonstrated enough skill to be considered a first-day draft prospect.

Simpson has good pocket presence, and he fired 28 touchdown passes and only five interceptions this past season. If the Jets can surround him with talent on offense and develop him, he has a high ceiling.

Kiper wrote

The Jets signed Pro Bowl wide receiver Garrett Wilson to a long-term deal last year and have Isaiah Williams ready to experience a breakout campaign. Breece Hall stands on the verge of being a free agent. However, the Jets can place a $14.5 million franchise tag on the star running back, creating a strong offensive core.

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