The New York Jets aren’t just kicking the tires on 2026 NFL Draft quarterbacks (no disrespect is intended to Geno Smith). They’re doing their homework. Recent conversations have drawn lines connecting the dots representing Ty Simpson and Florham Park.
According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, New York is among several teams that have held extensive conversations with Cole Payton. He's a two-time FCS national champion who made his name with the North Dakota State Bison. Last season, he played his way into Second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors.
North Dakota State @NDSUfootball quarterback Cole Payton visited #Steelers #Colts per source, and has met extensively with #Eagles #Cardinals #Jets per source. Payton completed 71.2 percent of his throws as a senior for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, four Interceptions. Rushed for… pic.twitter.com/qWb2RxrBcp
This is the kind of detail that may not dominate headlines, but it speaks volumes about how the Jets are approaching the position. Yes, Geno Smith is in place as the starter. Yes, there are recent whispers about the Jets eyeing Ty Simpson at the 16th overall selection.
It is, however, good to be thorough, and the messaging from the organization has been clear. This is Smith's team, at least for now. He has Aaron Glenn's full support, but that doesn’t eliminate questions about the long-term. That just delays them.
That’s where Payton enters the conversation. He isn’t being discussed in the same breath as first-round names, and that’s part of the appeal. The Jets can still find value at the game's most important position later. With multiple premium picks, they can address more pressing needs and circle back to the quarterback position later in the draft.
Payton fits that mold perfectly if that's the strategy. At 6-foot-3 with legitimate dual-threat ability, he offers the kind of athletic upside teams covet in developmental prospects. His numbers won’t overwhelm traditional evaluators at first glance, but the efficiency and production, both through the air and on the ground, paint a more complete picture. His ability to extend plays and create outside of structure adds another layer to his profile.
More importantly, he wins. That’s been a theme throughout his career, and it’s something front offices never ignore. For the Jets, this isn’t about finding an immediate starter. It’s about building a pipeline. It’s about identifying a quarterback who can develop behind a veteran while the roster takes shape elsewhere.
It’s also about avoiding the mistake of waiting too long to start that process. Payton may not be the headline pick, but if the Jets believe in the traits, the conversations they’re having now could turn into something much more meaningful once the draft board begins to fall.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets doing extensive homework on dual-threat two-time FCS champion QB