The New York Jets are staring down a pivotal offseason, and it all starts with the most important position in football: quarterback. After a rocky 2025 campaign that saw Justin Fields struggle mightily - including multiple games where he couldn’t even crack 100 passing yards - the Jets know they can’t afford to roll into 2026 with the same plan under center.
Fields was eventually benched for veteran Tyrod Taylor, and while Taylor provided a steadying hand, it’s clear the organization needs a more dynamic - and reliable - answer at QB. That search could define the futures of both head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. If they swing and miss again, they might not get a third shot.
Enter Malik Willis.
Yes, that Malik Willis - the former third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans who looked like a bust early in his career but quietly found his footing in Green Bay last season. Now a free agent, Willis is coming off a small but highly efficient stint with the Packers, and he’s starting to turn heads as a potential high-upside option on the open market.
In 98 snaps during the 2025 season, Willis posted a 105.5 passer rating. He completed 30 of his 35 pass attempts - that’s an eye-popping 85.7% - for 422 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Those are video game numbers, even in a limited sample. Add in 123 rushing yards and two scores on 22 carries, and you’ve got a dual-threat quarterback who finally looks like he’s putting it all together.
The Jets have been urged to consider taking a “gamble” on Willis. And make no mistake, it would be a gamble. But it’s the kind of calculated risk that could pay off in a big way - especially for a team that desperately needs a spark.
Willis brings a similar athletic profile to Fields - both are mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays and make defenses pay with their legs. But where Fields struggled with consistency and decision-making in the passing game, Willis showed poise and precision in his limited action last year. That contrast could be enough to make him a legitimate option for a team looking to reset at quarterback without breaking the bank or spending a high draft pick.
Still, the Jets have to be careful. After last season's offensive struggles, they may lean toward a more conservative, veteran presence - someone who can stabilize the offense and help maximize the young talent around him. That approach could help players like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall flourish, rather than asking them to carry the weight of an inconsistent quarterback.
But if Glenn and Mougey are looking for upside - if they believe in betting on talent and development - then Malik Willis might just be the most intriguing quarterback option available this offseason. He’s not the safe pick. But in a league where fortunes can change overnight, sometimes the bold move is the right one.