Jets linked to free agent quarterback projected to earn $30 million annually

The New York Jets are back to square one as far as looking for their next franchise quarterback.

Justin Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal last offseason, appears to be out in New York. The 2026 offseason will be another quest at finding the next man up under head coach Aaron Glenn.

According to ESPN's Aaron Schatz, free agent Malik Willis could be the guy that the Jets pursue.

Jets linked to free agent QB Malik Willis

NFL insider Jordan Schultz believes that Malik Willis will get a new deal that has him getting at least $30 million annually. This could lead to the Jets pulling the plug and offering something similar to this.

Since getting drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Willis doesn't have the most experience as a quarterback. In four seasons, he's logged 22 total appearances.

After the Packers traded for the 6-foot-1, 225-pound dual-threat quarterback, he developed into someone whom Matt LaFleur relied on while Jordan Love missed games.

While stepping in for Love in 2025, Willis appeared in four games (one start) and had an impressive 93.1 quarterback rating. In 2024, he finished with a 77.3 quarterback rating in seven games (two starts).

It was a small sample of work, but Willis has proven that he deserves to get a starting job. His intent in free agency is to sign with a team to become a QB1.

As the premier free agent quarterback this offseason, he will get a lot of interest. It will depend on which organization he wants to join and start over in his career.

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• New York Jets could sign 1,000-yard receiver with ties to coaching staff in NFL free agency