The New York Jets are among several teams expected to pursue Malik Willis, former Green Bay Packers quarterback, as free agency approaches. NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY has issued a strong warning to the Jets regarding Willis, advising them to reconsider their interest unless certain conditions are met.
Hughes specifically highlighted the importance of Jets head coach Jeff Hafley’s involvement, stating,
“I keep saying this, though, if [Jeff] Hafley doesn’t take Malik Willis with him, the Jets should just avoid him. Like, just don’t go anywhere near him. I’ll tell you it reminds me back of Matt Flynn,”
on the show Jets Final Drive.
This caution relates to Willis’ prior experience with the Green Bay Packers and key personnel now with the Miami Dolphins. Hafley and Miami’s new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, both came from Green Bay and have worked closely with Willis. Given this, Miami’s lack of reported interest in Willis raises concerns, as the Dolphins’ leadership would presumably have the clearest insight into his potential.
Growing Excitement Surrounding Willis’ Potential With the Jets
Despite the warnings, some voices remain optimistic about what Willis could bring to the Jets. Phil Simms, a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback and seasoned analyst, expressed enthusiasm about the possibility during an appearance on ESPN New York’s Bart and Carlin. He remarked,
“We saw these last two years, when he gets into the game, how good he is. Now, if the Jets go out and get Malik Willis, I would say that’s a home run.”
Simms further praised Willis’ arm strength, stating,
“Maybe the biggest thing is his arm. You know I studied him in college, and his arm is much better in the pro game than I ever thought it would be. I would say go after Malik Willis.”
Willis, who will turn 27 before the 2026 season kicks off, began his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, completing 53% of his passes with 350 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions. In the past two seasons with Green Bay, however, his performance improved markedly, boasting a 78.7% completion rate, 972 passing yards, and six touchdowns with no interceptions.
Factors Raising Concern for Jets Supporters
Despite recent improvements, skepticism about Willis remains, primarily due to the limited sample size of his play. Throughout the first four years of his career, Willis has started just six games, leaving many questions about his consistency and readiness.
Ahead of free agency, ESPN’s top-50 free agent board included only two quarterbacks: Daniel Jones, recovering from a torn Achilles but expected to return to the Indianapolis Colts, and Malik Willis. This scarcity of quarterbacks on the market drives significant demand but also inflates risks, as teams compete to find reliable talent.
Willis’ uneven record underscores this risk; while his time in Tennessee was flat, his tenure in Green Bay showed promise—though he will be joining a new team without Matt LaFleur, the offensive coordinator credited for much of his recent success. This change adds uncertainty about Willis’ ability to replicate his improved play elsewhere.
Given these factors, many believe that the Jets would benefit from targeting a more proven quarterback who can provide stability and a stronger foundation heading into the 2026 season, rather than taking a gamble on Willis’ potential upside.
.@Connor_J_Hughes shared a stern warning to the #Jets ahead of free agency about #Packers QB Malik Willis:
‘I keep saying this, though, if [Jeff] Hafley doesn’t take Malik Willis with him, the Jets should just avoid him. Like, just don’t go anywhere near him. I’ll tell you it… pic.twitter.com/UqsEgBrCMe
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 12, 2026
ICYMI: @PhilSimmsQB says Malik Willis would be a home run for the New York Jets at QB next season.
Tune into @BartAndCarlin weekdays from 10AM-1PM on the @ESPNNewYork App & YouTube 📲
WATCH THE FULL SHOW HERE: https://t.co/ylvdmCGdz5 pic.twitter.com/vQaPX9rqcw
— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) February 11, 2026
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo, and @JudyBattista: #Colts plan to open talks for Daniel Jones; #Bengals could franchise tag Trey Hendrickson; #Giants QB Russell Wilson’s future; #Cowboys will tag George Pickens, but could trade him. pic.twitter.com/R5lcNyorZY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026
