Dante Moore's decision to return to Oregon for another college season has sent ripples through the NFL draft landscape, particularly affecting the New York Jets' offseason strategy. The Oregon quarterback, who had positioned himself as a potential second overall selection, chose to bet on himself rather than enter the professional ranks immediately. This move has drawn strong reactions from football analysts, including former Jets quarterback and 1989 NFL MVP Boomer Esiason, who believes New York may have actually benefited from this development.
Moore's meteoric rise during his first full season as Oregon's starter captured the attention of scouts and executives across the league. The young signal-caller demonstrated remarkable efficiency, completing over 71% of his passes while amassing 3,565 yards through the air. His 30 touchdown passes against just 10 interceptions showcased both his aggressive playmaking ability and his developing decision-making skills. These numbers placed him firmly in the conversation alongside other elite prospects like Fernando Mendoza, whose Heisman Trophy-winning campaign had similarly elevated his draft stock.
The Jets, holding the coveted second overall pick in the upcoming draft, find themselves in a familiar position—searching for a franchise quarterback to lead them back to relevance. However, Esiason offers a contrarian perspective that challenges the conventional wisdom about their draft fortunes. Speaking on "The Dan Patrick Show," the former MVP expressed his belief that the Jets may have inadvertently avoided a potential pitfall.
"I think the Jets lucked out," Esiason stated plainly, a sentiment that might surprise fans eager to see their team land a top-tier quarterback prospect.
Esiason's reasoning stems from his assessment of Moore's readiness for the professional game. Despite the quarterback's impressive statistical output, the veteran analyst has emphasized the importance of experience and development. On his New York radio program, Esiason had previously advised Moore to remain in college, arguing that the quarterback needed additional playing time before making the leap to the NFL. With only 18 Division I starts under his belt, Moore's sample size remains relatively limited compared to other top prospects who have enjoyed longer collegiate careers.
"I think he made the right decision. And I'm sure he's going to get a nice paycheck from Oregon. But he's making a $50 million bet on himself, which is really quite amazing," Esiason added, highlighting the financial implications of Moore's choice. By returning to school, Moore risks injury and potential draft stock decline, but he also gains another year to refine his skills and potentially command an even higher selection—and thus a more lucrative contract—in the future.
The former Jets quarterback also pointed to the broader strategic picture for New York. While missing out on a potential franchise quarterback might seem like a setback, Esiason suggests it could position the organization more favorably in future draft cycles. He specifically mentioned Arch Manning, the highly-touted prospect eligible for the 2027 draft, as a potential target down the line. More immediately, the Jets could still have an opportunity to select Moore in next year's draft if they find themselves picking early again.
This perspective raises an uncomfortable but potentially necessary question for the Jets organization: Would another season of struggle actually serve their long-term interests better than a marginal improvement? Esiason seems to think so, drawing a parallel to the New York Giants' situation with Jaxson Dart.
"Maybe they will be in a better situation to draft one of those guys next year, meaning that I don't think you want to go out there and try to win six or seven games," Esiason explained. "Realistically, you look at it, if you want one of those young quarterbacks that is going to change your franchise like Jaxson Dart is doing here for the Giants, you're going to have another bad year next year to be at the top of that draft to be able to select that guy."
For the Jets, the immediate draft landscape still offers options at quarterback. Prospects like Trinidad Chambliss and Ty Simpson remain available, and the team holds additional capital with the 16th and 33rd overall picks. These assets could allow them to either select a developmental quarterback later in the first round or trade up if they identify a target they believe in strongly.
The ripple effects of Moore's decision extend beyond the Jets. Oregon's quarterback room has suddenly become more crowded with the recent transfer of Dylan Raiola, a former five-star recruit who previously played elsewhere. Raiola's arrival creates an intriguing dynamic, as he now figures to serve as Moore's backup for the 2026 season rather than competing for a starting job immediately.
The Jets' quarterback situation this past season illustrates the challenges of finding stability at the position. After the new front office decided to part ways with veteran Aaron Rodgers—who subsequently led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs—the team cycled through multiple starters. Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook all saw action under center, but none established themselves as the long-term answer.
Moore's decision represents a broader trend in college football, where top prospects increasingly weigh the benefits of additional development against the immediate financial rewards of professional entry. With name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals allowing college athletes to earn significant money while maintaining their eligibility, the calculus has shifted. Players like Moore can now secure substantial compensation without sacrificing their amateur status, reducing the financial pressure to declare for the draft early.
For Jets fans, Esiason's perspective may be difficult to accept. The franchise has endured decades of quarterback instability, and the prospect of landing a top prospect like Moore offered hope for a brighter future. However, the former MVP's analysis suggests that the team's fortunes might be better served by a more methodical approach to rebuilding, even if it means enduring another difficult season.
As the draft approaches, the Jets' front office faces critical decisions. They must evaluate whether any of the available quarterbacks merit the second overall selection or if they should address other roster needs while planning for future quarterback acquisition. The presence of additional picks in the first and second rounds provides flexibility, but it doesn't solve the fundamental question of who will be the face of the franchise.
Esiason's commentary highlights the complexity of NFL roster construction and the interconnected nature of college and professional football. A single player's decision to return to school can alter draft strategies for multiple teams, create ripple effects throughout the league, and spark debate about the best path to contention.
For Moore, the focus now shifts to the 2026 college football season. He must build on his impressive performance while managing the expectations that come with being a potential number one overall pick. The presence of Raiola behind him adds another layer of pressure, as any struggles could prompt calls for the highly-touted backup.
The Jets, meanwhile, must navigate their own path forward. Whether they heed Esiason's advice and embrace a longer-term rebuild or attempt to accelerate their timeline through trades or developmental prospects remains to be seen. What is clear is that Moore's decision has created a fascinating subplot in the ongoing drama of NFL team building.
In professional sports, the line between luck and strategy is often blurred. What appears to be a setback can sometimes be a blessing in disguise, and what seems like good fortune can mask underlying issues. Esiason's assessment that the Jets "lucked out" by missing on Moore this year challenges conventional thinking and invites a deeper examination of what truly constitutes success in the NFL draft.