Why Malik Willis may be the key to the Jets' quarterback search

With the tampering window set to open Monday afternoon, NFL free agency will officially be underway. For the New York Jets, it will be the starting gun on their hunt for a new starting quarterback.

While there are at least a dozen options that you could realistically name as an option for 2026, there's already one or two you can write off. SNY's Connor Hughes called Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins longshots, but it seems like Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis is a pipe dream as well.

After gambling on Justin Fields in 2025, Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey are unlikely to take another risk on a high-upside quarterback with minimal experience. Spotrac expects Willis' market to reach up to about two years, $71 million.

Even though the Jets aren't expected to be a player in the Willis sweepstakes, wherever he ends up will paint a clearer picture of who New York has available to them as quarterback options.

Malik Willis' eventual signing will open multiple doors for the Jets

As things stand now, Willis' most likely two landing spots are the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins. Both teams have moved on from their expensive quarterbacks, Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, respectively, and could look to take a swing at the former Packers backup.

In Arizona's case, Willis could look to team up with his former Green Bay head coach's little brother, Mike LaFleur. If the Cardinals feel confident in their new starting quarterback, they could look to part ways with veteran backup Jacoby Brissett, who is under contract with Arizona for one more season.

It was recently reported by CBS Sports that the Cardinals would be willing to trade Brissett for a Day 3 pick, something the Jets should absolutely be interested in, given the veteran quarterback's history with new offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

If Willis decides to take his talents to South Beach and sign with the Dolphins, it could clear the way for another quarterback to sign with the Jets.

Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith is another veteran quarterback who was cut by his team in recent days, and Hughes reports that his preferred landing spot would be with Miami.

If the Dolphins pounce on Willis, Smith would have no choice but to pivot, and considering how much the Jets seem interested in adding their former 2013 draft pick, it would be a no-brainer for him to sign with New York.

Regardless, Jets fans should be watching Willis and his market carefully. Wherever he ends up will paint a clearer picture of who their starting quarterback may be in 2026.