The New York Jets are currently rebuilding their roster as they look to position themselves for future success. One of the most important questions they have yet to answer is who their long-term quarterback will be. They have been recently predicted to potentially find one in free agency this year.
Jets Linked to Malik Willis as Potential QB Solution in Free Agency
The Jets have been working to change the direction of their franchise since hiring Aaron Glenn as their head coach last year. This includes parting ways with star defenders Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline last year as they rebuild their roster.
Finding a quarterback to lead the team should be one of the Jets’ top priorities after their failed attempt at doing so with Justin Fields last year.
They are rumored to be considering Malik Willis as a free-agent target to potentially be the solution they are seeking. Gilberto Manzano recently shared his outlook and speculated about his next contract.
“Willis made the most of his opportunities after Jordan Love exited early in the Week 16 matchup against the Bears. In that game, Willis, a 2022 third-round pick, showed how much he’s improved since leaving the Titans before the ’24 season,” stated Manzano.
“Willis helped the Packers win two games in his first season in Green Bay, but he was more of a placeholder, being asked for the bare minimum. This time around, Willis flashed upside that could be enticing to quarterback-needy teams. He made plays with his arm and legs vs. Chicago and Baltimore, but he was unable to play in the regular-season finale against Minnesota due to injury.”
Willis was excellent in his two starts for the Green Bay Packers last year, finishing second and fifth among the weekly quarterbacks in PFSN’s Impact Rankings. As Manzano pointed out, this could suggest that he has significantly improved since being essentially a draft bust with the Tennessee Titans previously.
His strong performances, as well as his dual-threat threat skillset, give him plenty of upside to potentially develop into a star in the right situation.
The intriguing prospect is expected to sign a contract worth around $60 million for 2 years. This could be a favorable situation for the Jets, who can give Willis a chance to prove if he’s worth a long-term deal, not unlike what they tried with Fields last year.
