Jets Predicted To Retain Justin Fields As Backup, Add Star QB To Start
The New York Jets have a disastrous quarterback situation right now.
They cut ties with Aaron Rodgers in favor of Justin Fields and Fields has been horrible in New York. As a result, the Jets have opted to bench Fields in favor of backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
But the big question revolves around the Jets' quarterback situation next year. Who will they bring to the roster next season?
Bleacher Report's Alex Kay recently predicted the Jets would retain Fields as a backup next season. Kay also predicted the Jets would use their top draft pick to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Jets need to make a big quarterback decision in the offseason
"The 2026 draft class may not have a generational superstar worth tanking for, but Ty Simpson could at least be the stabilizing presence New York desperately needs under center," Kay wrote. "After arriving in Tuscaloosa in 2022, Simpson patiently awaited his opportunity and finally emerged as Alabama's starter in 2025. It was worth the long wait, as Simpson is shining as the Crimson Tide's QB1 and elevated himself into a potential top-five pick in the process.
"The junior passer has completed 226-of-338 throws while racking up 2,787 yards and 22 touchdowns against a mere two interceptions in 10 starts. Although he's not a dual-threat QB, Simpson has enough athleticism to extend plays and deftly avoid the rush. He's poised in the pocket and is always looking to pick out the open man, traits that the Jets sorely need from a signal-caller right now. Simpson would be a heavy favorite to emerge as the Week 1 starter if the Jets take him early in the draft."
It's hard to imagine Fields being back in New York next year. He could be headed for a backup quarterback job next season, but it might not be with the Jets.
The Jets could add Simpson at the top of the first round to take over for Fields. The 2026 draft class isn't loaded with quarterback talent, but there's a chance one of the top guys could turn into a star. Simpson has star potential, but the Jets will need to love him to select him at the top of Round 1.
Jake Guentzel's hat trick propels Lightning to win, Snapping Devils’ Streak in Hughes’ Absence
The Tampa Bay Lightning bounced back in a big way, taking down the top team in the Eastern Conference, the New Jersey Devils , 5-1. Jake Guentzel led the way, picking up his eighth career hat trick and his third as a member of the Lightning.
Big Offensive Night for Lightning
The man of the night, Guentzel, opened the scoring in the first period with an unassisted goal. However, his efforts didn’t shine right away. When the Lightning extended their lead to 2-0, Anthony Cirelli arguably had the highlight of the night with a no-look pass to Nikita Kucherov that set him up for the goal.
This big play would set the Lightning up to carry that 2-0 lead to the end of the first period. Halfway through the second period, Guentzel picked up his second goal on the power play to make it 3-0.
The Devils got themselves on the board after a shot from Arseny Gritsyuk bounced off goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, giving Nico Hischier a chance to knock it in. It remained a two-goal game heading into the final period of play.
Darren Raddysh made it a three-goal game again with his second goal of the season. Along with Guentzel, this goal put him in striking distance of a three-point performance. Raddysh assisted Guentzel’s hat-trick sealing goal along with Kucherov.
Two of Guentzel’s goals came on the power play, providing the team with a breath of fresh air on special teams. They had been uncharacteristic on the power play most of the season. They’ve scored on 15.3% of their chances, which is near the bottom of the NHL this season. By comparison, the Devils, who have had one of the top power-play units this season, failed to capitalize on four opportunities.
Both teams will return to action on Thursday. The Devils will head to Sunrise to take on the Florida Panthers. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EST. Meanwhile, the Lightning will host the Edmonton Oilers at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Three Stars of the Game
- Jake Guentzel (three goals)
- Darren Raddysh (one goal, two assists)
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (.969 save percentage)
