Malik Willis is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the upcoming free agency. After spending two seasons backing up Jordan Love with the Green Bay Packers, Willis has revitalized his career, positioning himself for a potential starting role in 2026.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz has weighed in with his prediction, suggesting that the New York Jets could be Willis's next destination. Despite having limited playing time, Willis posted an impressive 93.1 QBR in 2025 with the Packers, following a solid 77.3 QBR in two starts the previous year.
The Jets find themselves in need of a quarterback after the Justin Fields experiment didn't pan out, leading to his benching. With the upcoming draft class looking thin at the quarterback position, and Fernando Mendoza likely to be snapped up by Las Vegas with the first overall pick, the Jets might see Willis as a viable option.
At 26, Willis presents an intriguing prospect for teams in search of a long-term solution under center. While not yet a proven starter, his recent performances suggest he has the potential to thrive if given the opportunity.
Financially, the Jets are in a strong position, with $91 million in cap space this offseason. Spotrac projects a two-year, $71 million contract for Willis, a figure well within New York's budget, making this a realistic move for both parties. If Willis can continue his upward trajectory, he could be the answer the Jets have been searching for.