Jets GM begins scouting Justin Fields’ replacement in 29-TD QB for 2026 draft as New York front office heads to Pennsylvania
The New York Jets have already set their sights on the 2026 NFL draft quarterback class. With Justin Fields on a two-year, $40 million deal and the team struggling this season, the front office has reportedly dispatched scouts to study top prospects.
One name gaining traction as a possible No. 1 overall pick is Indiana Hoosiers’ quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Mendoza combines the prototypical pocket-passing size with accuracy and poise. This season, he has recorded an impressive 29 touchdowns through nine games.
According to ESPN draft and college football analyst Jordan Reid, Jets general manager Darren Mougey and senior football advisor Rick Spielman were in attendance for the Indiana vs. Penn State game on Saturday to get a closer look at Mendoza.
New York currently holds early 2026 first-round picks and faces two major options: either acquire a franchise quarterback next year or continue to stockpile draft capital and retarget the 2027 class.
Justin Fields’ struggles in production and consistency this season have amplified the urgency for the Jets. Through seven games, Fields has thrown for 1,089 yards, completed about 64.1% of his passes, and notably, has yet to throw an interception. However, his QBR of 37.9 ranks near the bottom among qualified signal-callers.
Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 244-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, he has also endured some severe setbacks, such as a -10 net passing yards game against the Denver Broncos in Week 6, where he was sacked nine times.
### Aaron Glenn Keeps QB Decision Quiet, but Justin Fields Remains the Clear Starter
The quarterback situation for the Jets has been a topic of much discussion this week. Head coach Aaron Glenn addressed the media ahead of Week 10’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns, choosing to remain tight-lipped about the starting quarterback.
“We will have a quarterback,” Glenn said. “We will have a quarterback. I don’t worry about those things. Our guys know who’s going to be the quarterback. I know who’s going to be the quarterback. It’s just not my responsibility to have to tell you that.”
Despite Glenn’s refusal to publicly confirm the starter, all signs point to Justin Fields retaining the role. Fields is coming off the best game of his season during the Jets’ recent win over Cincinnati, giving fans hope for improved consistency moving forward.
The Jets’ front office will continue evaluating potential franchise quarterbacks in the 2026 draft while hoping Fields can take steps toward fulfilling his potential this season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-jets-gm-begins-scouting-justin-fields-replacement-29-td-qb-2026-draft-new-york-front-office-heads-to-pennsylvania
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