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The New York Jets need a future QB. Could it be Carson Beck?

One NFL insider thinks the New York Jets could draft Carson Beck in the 2026 draft. 

"My potential sleeper QB for the Jets in the middle rounds is Carson Beck," Jeremy Fowler of ESPN wrote. 

Beck is projected to be a fourth-round pick. The college football veteran finished his NCAA career with 11,725 passing yards and 88 passing touchdowns with Georgia and Miami. 

The Jets acquired Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. Smith is expected to start next season, but let's say New York drafts Beck and Smith struggles in 2026. Maybe Beck takes over as the starter late in the season. 

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has compared Beck to Kenny Pickett, who signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason. 

"Three-year starter who has weathered his share of ups and downs," Zierlein wrote. "Beck has NFL-caliber size and a lot of experience playing in high-leverage games. He recovered from 2024 UCL surgery on his throwing elbow, but he appeared to lose some drive velocity on deep balls and move throws. He works through progressions at a good pace and can throw with anticipation, but he loses track of safeties, throwing into hazardous spots. Beck’s decision-making showed more maturity in his final college season, but pressure can pull him back into old habits. He spins a catchable ball with a compact release, but spotty accuracy leads to pass breakups and a lower conversion rate on tight-window throws. Beck projects as a good backup with the potential to earn a starting job down the road, but he must continue developing game-managing instincts."

The Jets' offense was a walking disaster in 2025. They were 29th in the NFL in points per game and 32nd in passing yards. New York's new OC is Frank Reich, as Tanner Engstrand was fired after one season.

The Jets went 3-14 in 2025 in Year 1 of the Aaron Glenn era and started three QBs: Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook. The three QBs combined for 2,777 passing yards and 14 touchdown passes. 

 It will be fascinating to see if New York selects a QB in the 2026 draft. 

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