Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is expected to be one of the first players taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. If he somehow winds up with the New York Jets, he could end the team’s dreaded quarterback curse.
Bobby Bishop of Dynasty Nerds put together a mock draft recently. He has the Jets trading up to the No. 1 overall pick and selecting Mendoza:
“New York Jets receive: 2026 1.01
Tennessee Titans receive: 1.07, 1.23, 2027 IND 1st
No. 1 | New York Jets (Via TEN—Mock)
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | 6’5’’ | 225 Lbs
Could the New York Jets pull off a massive trade up to choose the best (and maybe only) franchise QB in the draft? In my mock trade, they utilize the Sauce Gardner picks to get it done, and they hold onto their own 2027 1st round selection in the process. If the New York Jets are able to execute a deal like this, I believe they will select Fernando Mendoza, the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.”
The Jets certainly need a quarterback. But it remains to be seen whether they’ll trade up to get one.
Fernando Mendiza Could Finally Break the New York Jets’ Quarterback Curse
History of Jets Quarterbacks
Back in the day, the Jets had a Hall of Fame quarterback in Joe Namath. “Broadway Joe” spent 12 seasons with the team from 1965 to 1976. He led the Jets to a victory in Super Bowl III and was the first player to ever throw for over 4,000 yards in a season (1967). Since Namath left, the Jets have never had a quarterback reach his level.
Favre spent one season in New York (2008). Despite an 8-3 start, the team missed the playoffs as he played with a torn biceps tendon and threw a league-high 22 interceptions.
A few other Jets quarterbacks have suffered major injuries over the years. Vinny Testaverde tore his Achilles in the 1999 season opener and Chad Pennington went down with a season-ending shoulder injury in 2005.
Mark Sanchez, who was drafted fifth overall in 2009, wasn’t necessarily a bust, but failed to live up to expectations. After leading the Jets to consecutive AFC Championship games in his first two seasons, his career quickly declined.
Can Mendoza End the Mess?
Fernando Mendoza has put together a spectacular season with the Indiana Hoosiers. He has thrown for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns while rushing for six scores.
Mendoza was named the Associated Press Player of the Year and is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. In addition, he led an unbeaten and top-ranked Indiana to its first Big Ten championship since 1967 and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Mendoza would be a huge upgrade over the Jets’ Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. He’s clutch, accurate, and is a superb quick-game processor. Plus, he possesses a great blend of poise and playmaking.
New York will likely acquire a veteran like Kyler Murray, who could be a good fit. But don’t rule out the possibility of landing Mendoza. He has the potential to become a superstar and the franchise’s best signal-caller since Namath.
Main Image: Robert Goddin – Imagn Images
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