By missing the playoffs again this season, the New York Jets extended their postseason drought to 15 years, the longest active skid among teams in North America’s four major professional sports leagues. The Giants also failed to reach the playoffs, continuing an uneven stretch since their Super Bowl title in the 2011 season. They have made the postseason only twice since then, in 2016 and 2022.
Both teams seem to be guided by the same motto: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. But, unfortunately, success has been elusive. Football’s foundational time-tested formula for prosperity is a capable head coach paired with an adept quarterback. The Jets believe they have a head coach in Aaron Glenn who has the acumen and leadership skills to drive winning. But they need a QB. The Giants, meanwhile, are searching for a new head coach after firing Brian Daboll on Nov. 10, when the team was 2-8. They do, however, believe they have their quarterback in 22-year-old Jaxson Dart, selected in the first round, No. 25 overall, last year.
The Jets finished this season 3-14 and have the second pick in April’s draft ahead of two other 3-14 teams (Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans) due to a stronger strength of schedule. The Las Vegas Raiders were also 3-14 and hold the No. 1 pick based on strength of schedule. Numerous mock drafts predict that the Jets — who also have the No. 15 pick of the first round this year and three first rounders next year — will select Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. The Oregon star will face off against Indiana tomorrow in the college football playoffs semifinals. Ironically, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, this season’s Heisman Trophy winner, is the presumptive No. 1 pick.
Moore, a redshirt sophomore who will not turn 21 until May 24, has the option to return to college next season. But as a projected top-five pick, he is widely expected to enter the draft. Glenn and Jets GM Darren Mougey, each in their first year in their current roles, must identify a player, whether Moore or another high-upside prospect, who can serve as a cornerstone of the franchise. That decision could help define their tenure with the Jets.
“Going through the first year and understanding the landscape of everything, that’s a huge deal,” said Glenn, meeting with the media on Monday. “And speaking of myself, man, there’s a number of things I know that I will be better at…”
The Giants, who finished 4-13, hold the No. 6 pick in the first round. GM Joe Schoen began his tenure alongside Daboll in January 2022 but, unlike the head coach, survived dismissal by owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, a decision that drew criticism from a sizable portion of the fan base. As a result, pressure on Schoen to quickly elevate the franchise has intensified, beginning with the hiring of a new head coach.
“We’re going to cast a wide net,” he said to reporters on Monday. “And there’s no directive that it has to an offensive and defensive guy or special teams or college or whatever it may be … we are going to find the best leader for the franchise.”