The biggest story for the Jets in 2026 is whether or not they will find their quarterback or if it will have to wait until 2027. The problem for Aaron Glenn — and possibly Darren Mougey — is that they also need to show they can win games as well. They should make signing Malik Willis a priority.
In the last podcast episode, we discussed a potential “long-term” contract with triggers that turn a one-year deal into effectively a five-year deal — with an out after four. However, that contract may not be enough to land Willis.
Jets Must Make Signing Malik Willis Top Priority in 2026
Here’s what the contract I discuss in the episode looks like on paper:
Recently, Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com has this to say:
The Jets effectively signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $30 million contract in 2025, as he’s likely to be released this offseason. (It was a $40 million contract in total, but only $30 million guaranteed.)
So, what would the Jets likely need to guarantee Willis?
Well, given his lack of experience, albeit with a good showing so far, I think he could warrant in the $45-$50 million range.
He’s only played in 548 snaps. So, the small sample size usually wouldn’t justify such a large contract. However, with the dearth of quarterbacks in the league, it will cause a supply and demand issue, especially if people think his strong showing is a sign of growth and the ability to be a starting quarterback.
In limited action with the Packers, Willis has shown an ability to be accurate and mobile. Also, he has shown arm strength to make all the necessary NFL throws.
If the Jets were to be able to sign Willis and current Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, along with re-signing Breece Hall, with Mason Taylor and Garrett Wilson on the roster, that group would be formidable.
Sam Darnold received a 3-year, $100.5 million deal from Seattle after showing he turned his career around in Minnesota. His 2026 base salary and signing bonus plus his workout bonus — a total of $37.5 million — are guaranteed. Additionally, if he’s on the Seahawks roster on February 13, his $15 million roster bonus plus $2.5 million of his base salary ($12.3 million) is guaranteed.
Having less of a sample size than Darnold, plus showing the same skill set as Fields, may warrant a contract between Fields and Darnold, in terms of guarantees. When you look at both the Fields and Darnold contracts, it would make sense to sign Willis to a three-year deal.
Willis will be entering his age-27 season in 2026. That has to play a little bit of a factor as well, because if he ends up being the guy for the Jets, it could mean only this contract plus a reasonable extension.
So, here’s how it should shake out from a cash standpoint.
Terms: 3 years, $90 million
2026: $25 million (max)
Base salary (fully guaranteed at signing)
Singing Bonus: $18,785,000 (fully guaranteed at signing)
Incentive Schedule:
95% of team snaps (per game): $147,058 Weeks 1-17, $147,072 Week 18
90% team snaps (season) + Team improvement in wins and total offense: $2,500,000
Earned incentives trigger the P5 Salary full guarantee.
2027: $25 million
Base salary: fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the waiver period if incentives are not earned
Roster Bonus: fully guaranteed at signing
2028: $40 million
Roster Bonus pay: fifth day of league year
If it doesn’t work out for Willis, and they were in a situation where they released Willis before the Roster Bonus kicks in, then the Jets would have $30,028,000 in dead cap charges in 2027 or 2027-28. A post June-1 designation would mean the Jets are responsible for $18,757,000 in 2027 and $11,271,000 in 2028. The entire $28,757,000 cap charge would stay on the books until June 2.
The Jets would have a two-year window to evaluate Willis if he shows even more growth in 2026.
If Willis proves to be the guy, he will be entering his age-30 season in 2028. At that point, what the Jets would do is sign an extension in 2028 by converting the $40 million base salary + roster bonus to minimum P5 salary + prorated signing bonus, a second season with minimum P5 + option bonus, a third guaranteed season, and an early trigger for 2031.