With the NFL Draft approaching on April 23, the Las Vegas Raiders are set to pick first to secure Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, addressing their quarterback needs after Geno Smith’s disappointing season. The spotlight then shifts to the New York Jets holding the second pick, facing a critical decision amid a scarcity of quarterbacks in the top ten selections and a wealth of defensive talent available.
The Jets have tempting options including Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs, Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., and Texas Tech’s David Bailey. Each presents strengths and potential weaknesses. Reese, known for his versatility as a hybrid linebacker and edge rusher, has the athleticism and adaptability to thrive in multiple defensive roles, though some question if he is best suited strictly as a linebacker given his college performance. Downs, a safety widely regarded as the draft’s best pound-for-pound talent, challenges traditional positional value, especially since safeties rarely venture so high in the draft; if selected second overall, he would be the highest safety drafted since 1991.
Bailey and Bain fit classic molds as explosive edge rushers. Bailey depends heavily on speed but needs refinement, while Bain combines power with savvy but faces scrutiny over his arm length. Ultimately, the Jets will weigh prioritizing an elite player at a less valued position, banking on Reese’s versatility, or betting on Bailey or Bain’s potential to dominate as pass rushers.
Malik Willis and the Free Agency Race
Among available quarterbacks this off-season, Malik Willis stands out as the most intriguing free agent. Despite limited starting experience—just three games in the last two seasons and six in four years—Willis is projected to command a lucrative contract north of $30 million annually once free agency opens. Multiple teams with quarterback needs are showing strong interest, drawn by Willis’s explosive running ability and newfound poise as a passer developed while serving as Green Bay Packers backup.
Willis has demonstrated growth running one of the most complex offenses in the league under head coach Matt LaFleur, showing ability to throw accurately across all distances and greater calm under pressure despite a limited passing sample size. His potential upside at 26 years old has earned comparisons to quarterbacks who have revived careers like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, though clearly there remains uncertainty surrounding his consistency.
The Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers are seen as frontrunners to sign Willis. The Cardinals’ new head coach Mike LaFleur, brother of Matt LaFleur, offers schematic continuity and closer evaluation. Miami’s management, led by former Packers figures Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley, understands Willis’s development intimately but must resolve the challenging contract situation with current starter Tua Tagovailoa. The Steelers possess a promising young offensive line and enhanced receiving corps, making them a logical landing spot if changing course after Aaron Rodgers, relying on head coach Mike McCarthy’s strong reputation for quarterback development.
Emerging Quarterback Movements Expected Across the League
Willis’s arrival in free agency is only the beginning of significant quarterback activity this offseason. Veteran quarterbacks including Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray, and Tua Tagovailoa will all be available, alongside Geno Smith who may still seek opportunities. With this year’s draft class lacking depth at the quarterback position, these established players are expected to compete for starting roles.
One of the most captivating figures is Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts. While the Colts plan to franchise tag and extend backup quarterback Daniel Jones, Richardson remains a potential trade candidate due to inconsistency, injury setbacks, and command issues, including a fractured orbital bone last season. The Minnesota Vikings are considered a fitting destination given head coach Kevin O’Connell’s early support and belief in Richardson’s potential. O’Connell’s encouragement—
“Remember something: you’re a bad dude, and you’re gonna start in this league a long time. I still believe in you.”
—reflects the coaching staff’s willingness to give him another chance.
The Vikings, balancing the emergence of rookie JJ McCarthy and veteran Cousins, could leverage Richardson as a developmental option or backing up McCarthy while assessing their long-term quarterback plans.
Anticipate a Surge of High-Profile Trades
This offseason’s free-agent pool is notably rich in dependable starters but lacks elite star power, paralleling the draft class’s depth at certain positions yet overall scarcity of top-tier prospects. As a result, teams will look to the trade market to secure immediate impact players.
Leading the trade chatter is pass rusher Maxx Crosby, currently with the Raiders. Despite the team’s desire to retain him, Crosby has expressed a wish to move on. Previous trades of stars like Micah Parsons and Quinnen Williams have raised expectations for his asking price, with teams demanding multiple draft picks plus starting-caliber players in exchange. Crosby, who will be 29 next season and has seen heavy playing time since 2021, is at peak performance but approaching the age where pass rushers often decline, complicating negotiations.
Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears emerge as favorites. For example, the Buccaneers might offer a first and third-round pick plus a young player such as Calijah Kancey or Luke Goedeke. However, the Patriots face challenges due to recent draft struggles and may shy away from trading multiple first-round selections for an aging veteran, despite Crosby’s elite status.
Wide receiver AJ Brown also appears poised for a blockbuster trade. His inconsistent and reportedly fractious season with Philadelphia has cast doubt on his future there, despite the Eagles’ public affirmations. Brown, under contract for three more years, will be 29 at the start of the next season, making his sizable $40 million dead money cap hit a major hurdle. Philadelphia’s likely asking price is a first-round pick plus a young asset. Brown’s ties to New England coach Mike Vrabel have fueled speculation of that destination, though teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills also represent plausible suitors able to accommodate the cost and bolster their elite quarterback-led offenses.
Beyond Crosby and Brown, other notable players who could change teams include DJ Moore, Brian Thomas Jr, Mac Jones, Nick Herbig, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Trent McDuffie. The combination of limited free agency options and high-caliber trade candidates ensures a lively market with significant roster turnover.
#Packers free agent QB Malik Willis is in demand, as expected, and interested teams I’ve spoken to at the Combine in Indianapolis believe him getting at least $30M per year is a foregone conclusion. pic.twitter.com/FzB8GaaNPw
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 25, 2026
Matt Flynn has been paid $46,178 per passing yard since leaving the Green Bay Packers [More inside]
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