Entering the 2026 offseason, the New York Jets’ quarterback plans remain a mystery.
They could look to free agency, the NFL draft, or even the trade market to find their next signal caller. As general manager Darren Mougey stated, the organization will “exhaust all options.”
However, if you ask two-time Super Bowl champion and former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, there is a free agent signal-caller the Jets should have their sights set on.
“If the Jets went out and got Malik Willis, that’s a home run,” said the former first-round pick when speaking on ESPN New York’s “Bart & Carlin.”
“He’ll fit the coaching staff and what they’ll probably do on the offensive side.”
Willis, 26, is widely viewed as the top option in this year’s free agency quarterback class.
Selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans, his career in Nashville was turbulent, to put it lightly.
Across three starts in his rookie season, the Liberty product completed just 50.8% of his passing attempts for 276 yards (4.5 yards per attempt), zero touchdowns, and three interceptions, contributing to an atrocious 42.8 passer rating.
His sophomore season wasn’t much better, and the signal-caller was ultimately dealt to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a seven-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
The trade has gotten Willis’ career on the right track. Since being dealt to Green Bay, the 26-year-old has made 11 appearances (three starts), completing a whopping 78.7% of his pass attempts over that span for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
He has also been a threat on the ground, adding 261 rushing yards and three touchdowns across 42 carries.
Spotrac currently estimates Willis’ market value at $35 million per year this offseason, projecting him to earn a two-year deal worth over $70M, making him a pricey option that doesn’t exactly align with what the Jets should be looking for in their potential bridge QB for the 2026 season.
They should be focused on finding a cost-effective option, as Gang Green owes Aaron Rodgers $35 million this offseason and at least another $22 million to Justin Fields, assuming the team parts ways with Fields following his disastrous 2025 season.
Also, contrary to Simms’ take, our analysis of offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s historical tendencies indicates that Willis doesn’t fit the team’s projected offensive scheme.
While the idea sounds great on the radio, the Jets shouldn’t go all-in on Willis for several reasons.
