Almost every year, there is at least one quarterback prospect whose draft stock wavers between the first and second rounds. In 2025, it was Tyler Shough and Shedeur Sanders. This year, it’s Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

Between a lack of experience, a rough finish to the season, and below-average measurables, Simpson has slid from a potential No. 1 pick in October to a consensus second-round projection.

This creates an excellent opportunity for the New York Jets and general manager Darren Mougey.

If Mougey emulates a trade from the 2023 draft, Simpson’s slide could change everything for New York on draft weekend.

How Ty Simpson can change the Jets’ 2026 draft

Back in 2023, the Arizona Cardinals traded the 33rd and 81st overall picks to the Tennessee Titans for the 41st and 72nd overall picks, as well as a future third-round pick. This turned into a massive overpay, as the Cardinals received the 71st pick in 2024, giving them a surplus value equivalent to a mid-third round pick.

Why did the Titans give up so much? Because quarterbacks cost a premium, and they were moving up for Will Levis, the QB4 of that draft class.

The Jets are arguably better situated than Arizona was. The 33rd overall pick in 2023 was actually the second pick of the second round, since the Dolphins lost their first as punishment for tampering. Additionally, the Jets will be selling the rights to the second-best quarterback in the draft, not the fourth.

While a strong 2027 QB draft class may slightly hurt the pick’s value, there is likely one team that loves Simpson enough to bet on him after the first round.

So who would want to move up?

An excellent suitor out in Florida

For several reasons, the team that presents the best opportunity for New York to move the 33rd pick is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A new era seems to be on the horizon in Tampa Bay. This offseason, they saw two franchise legends exit in Lavonte David (retirement) and Mike Evans (signed with Los Angeles Rams).

Heading into 2026, Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, is in the final year of his contract at age 31. Meanwhile, fifth-year head coach Todd Bowles is on the hot seat after losing promising young coordinators in Liam Coen and David Canales.

What better way to prepare for a new era than picking an intriguing developmental prospect to sit behind Baker?

Here’s what a potential trade could look like:

  • Jets receive: 46th and 77th picks in 2026, third-round pick in 2027
  • Buccaneers receive: 33rd and 103rd picks in 2026, fifth-round pick in 2027

In the long run, the Jets would net tremendous value from this trade, especially if the Buccaneers struggle in 2026.

Regardless of the trade partner or the exact picks involved, the Jets would be wise to stockpile additional Day 2 picks. These choices are valuable not only in the draft but also on the veteran trade market.

It is also important to understand the makeup of the current draft class. As we approach the final week before the 2026 NFL draft, there is plenty of discussion about the lack of blue-chip talent at the top of the draft. Several teams in the top 10 are looking to trade back.

While there aren’t many blue-chip players in this class, the depth is excellent. The Jets are well situated at the moment with four top 45 picks. But then they only have two additional picks (103 and 140) in the top 175.

Darren Mougey would be wise to leverage the Jets’ 33rd pick into a larger quantity of Day 2 picks over the next two years.