The New York Jets are expected to be very active in the 2026 free agency market, as the franchise has significant financial flexibility, with $83,263,050 in cap space, according to OverTheCap.
One name that has been linked to the Jets is Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis, who has become one of the hottest names at the quarterback position heading into free agency.
Earlier this week, an update on Willis’ offseason outlook emerged when Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged that the team will likely not retain Willis.
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic wrote, “Gutekunst acknowledges they’re probably losing Malik Willis to a team that will at least allow him to compete for a starting job.”
The free-agent market at the quarterback position is thin, so Willis is expected to have several potential suitors this offseason.
GettyQB Malik Willis.
Why the Jets Could Eye Malik Willis in 2026
Willis is coming off the 2025 season as a backup, but he impressed evaluators around the league when he stepped in for the injured Jordan Love.
In the four games he entered, Willis completed 85.7% of his passes while recording three passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and a 93.1 QBR, per ESPN.
Although Willis made just one start, he took full advantage of the opportunity against a strong Ravens defense. Against Baltimore, Willis threw for 288 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 60 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, per ESPN.
Willis is a dual-threat quarterback whose running ability adds another dimension to an offense, making him a strong potential fit in the Jets’ scheme.
Pro Football Focus listed Malik Willis as the number-one ranked quarterback in its 2026 NFL quarterback free-agent rankings.
“Willis has logged just 547 career snaps, but he showed enough in his lone start this season to draw significant interest as a free agent. While the sample size is limited, he has posted a 4.8% big-time throw rate, compared with a 1.8% turnover-worthy play rate, over his career to date” (Pro Football Focus, 2026).
Willis is just 26 years old still, with major upside, so going after him could be a risk worth taking heading into the offseason.
GettyMalik Willis will be a top target in free agency at the QB position.
Other Potential Targets for New York
The Jets are expected to explore multiple quarterback options beyond Malik Willis, whether through the trade market, other free agents, or the 2026 NFL Draft.
After a rough start to his coaching tenure in New York, finishing 3-14 in 2025, Aaron Glenn will want to bring in a quarterback who can improve the team’s record.
Although Willis has upside, there is an element of uncertainty with him, which might make the Jets hesitant to take the risk. Unless they are sold on his potential, the team may be more inclined to target a safer, veteran “bridge” quarterback to start next season, such as Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals) or Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons), among other experienced options.
The Jets have the financial flexibility and draft capital to trade for or sign their quarterback of choice. If Willis is the target, they have the resources to make it happen, assuming he is willing to come to New York.
GettyThe Jets have the cap space to go after Willis this offseason.
Jets Receive Key Update on Potential QB Target