Dante Moore is staying in Oregon green.
The early favorite to be the No. 2 pick in the 2026 draft and the next Quarterback of the Future for the Jets decided Wednesday to return to school.
So, who will quarterback the Jets in 2026 if it is not Justin Fields (a candidate to be released)?
Here are 10 options, including four from the draft and six veterans who are available in free agency or via trade:
Ty Simpson, Alabama
He will take Moore’s spot as the No. 2 quarterback in most mock drafts, but he is “more of a mid- to late-first-round pick you take a flier on,” one scout told The Post. He led the SEC with 305 completions and threw 28 touchdowns and five interceptions but he only has 15 career starts.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
The NFL feels like a backup plan for Chambliss, who is appealing in court the NCAA’s decision to deny him a sixth year of eligibility. Chambliss is a dual threat who throws with zip into tight windows. He played four years at Division II Ferris State (winning a national title).
Carson Beck, Miami
What a journey it’s been for Beck, the one-time projected top pick in the 2025 draft. He struggled with interceptions at Georgia, transferred to Miami and now has been clutch on the run to the national title game. Beck is accurate from a clean pocket and sells play-action fakes.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Experience is the trendy marker for immediate NFL experience. Well, in the transfer-crazy NCAA, Nussmeier spent five years at LSU, including three as a backup. He plays with the savvy of a coach’s son (his father is the Saints offensive coordinator).
Kyler Murray, Cardinals
Is the new head coach going to try to reverse course after it seemed like a Cardinals-Murray divorce was coming? Murray was limited to five games by a Lisfranc injury and was outplayed when healthy by Jacoby Brissett. Signed through 2027 with a club option in 2028, Murray’s $22.8 million salary in 2026 is fully guaranteed.
Kirk Cousins, Falcons
Once upon a time, Cousins nearly signed with the Jets instead of the Vikings in free agency. The Jets wouldn’t be getting Prime Kirk this time. Cousins has a no-trade clause but could be released for a $35 million dead cap hit. The Falcons quarterback situation is a mess.
Malik Willis, Packers
This move would be reminiscent of the Fields gamble. The 26-year-old former third-round pick of the Titans has made only six career starts but was impressive this season in place of an injured Jordan Love. He could get a bigger contract than expected given the other free agent options.
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
Are the Dolphins going to take a $99 million dead salary cap charge to release Tagovailoa? The likelihood probably increased now that Jon-Eric Sullivan and a soon-to-be-hired head coach have a clean slate. Tagovailoa’s injury history and cold-weather performance would be a concern.
Mac Jones, 49ers
Look what time with Kyle Shanahan or Sean McVay did for reviving Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Maybe that’s the case for Jones, a former Pro Bowler who doubled his touchdowns to interceptions in eight starts in place of Brock Purdy. You know he’d love to stick it to the Patriots.
Russell Wilson, Giants
The future Hall of Famer wouldn’t have to ask his pop-star wife, Ciara, to move again. Wilson is clinging to his 450-yard performance in Week 2 as proof he can still play, but he was demoted to third-stringer. He is a free agent for the third straight offseason.
