The New York Jets continue to be in a position where they need a quarterback, but might not be in the best position to land one. With a new coaching staff now fully in place and a long-term answer still missing under center, the Jets need to do whatever it takes to land a QB.
That includes free agency, where the Jets could once again find themselves taking a chance on an unproven player.
While much of the early conversations have been centered on bigger names and draft picks, some believe New York may ultimately look at quarterbacks who come with risk, but also a lot of potential.
Daniel Chavkin of The Sporting News recently floated Malik Willis as a possible target for the Jets, adding that the timing makes a lot of sense.
“Willis is set to hit free agency at the right time, as his spot start with the Green Bay Packers showed he may be ready for a starting spot,” Chavkin wrote. “He is just 26 years old, turning 27 in May, and is one of the youngest quarterbacks on the open market.
“If the Jets go the Willis route, they will likely have to pay him a substantial contract similar or greater to what they gave Justin Fields last offseason. Several teams with quarterback openings will potentially pursue Willis, giving Willis the power of choice.”
His time in Green Bay offered a look at what he could be in the NFL, though it’s important to remember that the Packers have done a great job with their QBs for a very long time.
Willis wouldn’t be a one-year bridge, but he also wouldn’t require a massive contract that others could be looking for, or already are, depending on how the Jets address this.
On the flip side, Willis has yet to prove that he can handle a full NFL season as a starter, and it’s fair to wonder how he’ll look for a full year.
As Chavkin noted, competition across the league could drive Willis’ price higher than some are thinking, but he still shouldn’t be too much.