The New York Jets are in the midst of a rebuild… again. After a disastrous 2025 campaign, New York decided to go all-in on the rebuild by trading Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for a haul of draft picks. Now, New York is set to enter the next few years with a boatload of draft picks to select their players of the future.

That being said, the Jets can use their picks in a completely different way to jumpstart their rebuild. After a relatively strong start to their season, New York has seen encouraging growth from some of their players. With that in mind, some are thinking about whether New York could leverage their draft picks to trade for a star player… such as Justin Herbert.

Why Justin Herbert pursuit could make sense for Jets

Coming into the year, the Jets were pegged to be one of the worst-performing teams in the league. After nearly gutting their roster last season, everyone knew that New York wasn't going to be a serious contender for the playoffs. Instead, they were supposed to be playing for the top draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Through five weeks, though, the Jets have been… not bad at all. They still aren't good, don't get it twisted, but they haven't been “bottom of the barrel” bad like many predicted. Their offense under Geno Smith has been passable at times. The defense also has been solid, even after losing Gardner and Williams. The makings of a potentially good team can be seen.

Are the Jets one quarterback away from relevancy? Not quite. They still need a few more pieces to contend for a playoff spot consistently. However, the key thing to point out is that New York is in a position to trade multiple picks for a star player without completely hamstringing their future. Trading for a known quantity instead of hoping that their selected prospect is good is always a viable option.

Herbert has been struggling this season, but his pedigree is undeniable. He's definitely got the talent to bounce back, and the Jets can provide him with an opportunity to start over with a new team with some intriguing pieces on offense.

Jets' ideal offer for Justin Herbert

Jets receive: QB Justin Herbert

Chargers receive: 2027 1st-round pick, 2028 1st-round pick, 2028 2nd-round pick, DE Will McDonald

The Chargers' current slide and Herbert's poor form as of late adds an interesting wrinkle to Herbert's trade value. A player of his caliber at his position would almost certainly net three first-round picks, maybe even more. The Jets know that: they were able to snag two first-round picks from the Colts for Sauce Gardner. Herbert's price would certainly be higher… under usual circumstances, that is.

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With Herbert's struggles to start the year, though, his perceived trade value might be lower than anticipated. The Jets do have some leverage in that regard, but don't expect Los Angeles' price to dip significantly if he is indeed put on the trade block. Two first-round picks might be the lowest offer the Chargers might consider.

This trade offer is the Jets' best compromise should they want Herbert. McDonald, a former first-round pick himself, has been buried in the Jets' depth chart with the arrival of David Bailey, but he's still a great pass-rusher. Los Angeles doesn't exactly have a menacing defensive line, so adding a pass-rusher could be beneficial for them.

Which 2027 1st-rounder the Jets give up will also be a topic of interest. Currently, they have the Cowboys' and the Colts' first-rounders along with their own draft pick. The Chargers will definitely want the best pick out of the three, which might end up being Indianapolis' 1st-rounder. Depending on New York's draft board, they can choose which pick they'd rather give up.