Malik Willis Might Find a Starting Role with These Three Teams in 2026
Here’s a bold statement: Malik Willis, the backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, showcased remarkable talent during his performance in Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, despite the team suffering a 41-24 defeat. In that match, Willis completed an impressive 18 of his 21 passing attempts, racking up 288 yards along with one touchdown and no interceptions. He also demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities with 60 rushing yards and two more touchdowns, significantly contributing to the team's efforts.
Throughout this season, Willis has excelled when given the opportunity to step in. The former standout from Liberty University boasts a phenomenal completion rate of 85.5%, having successfully connected on 30 out of 35 passing attempts for a total of 422 yards and three touchdowns. When called upon to fill in for an injured Jordan Love, he has performed at a level comparable to that of a starting quarterback.
As he approaches free agency, the 2022 third-round draft pick will likely consider roles that allow him to serve as a bridge starter in 2026. Let's explore three potential teams where Willis could land in free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers might find themselves in the market for a quarterback for the third consecutive offseason. As they head into Week 18, they are faced with a crucial win-and-in situation against the Baltimore Ravens, vying for the AFC North title in a primetime showdown.
Whether or not the Steelers make it to the playoffs, this season is almost certainly the last hurrah for Aaron Rodgers. If they fail to qualify for the postseason, they will likely miss out on the chance to draft top prospects like Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore, meaning they may need to look for other quarterback solutions, reminiscent of past trades for Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has proven adept at bringing out the best in quarterbacks, making him an excellent choice to help maximize Willis' unique skills.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have put themselves in a precarious position regarding their quarterback situation. They recently placed Kyler Murray on season-ending injured reserve, even though there were indications he was preparing to make a return. Cutting Murray this offseason carries hefty financial repercussions, potentially costing between $47 to $54 million, depending on how the cut is classified. However, trading him seems like a far more feasible option.
Jacoby Brissett is clearly not the long-term solution for the Cardinals. Currently, they are set to hold the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This raises the question: will they make a bold move to trade up, or could they opt for a quarterback like Ty Simpson if he declares for the draft? The Cardinals face significant decisions regarding their quarterback situation this offseason, and signing Willis could provide them with some much-needed time to sort through their options.
New York Jets
The New York Jets find themselves in a complicated scenario. They currently hold the third overall pick in the draft order. It is highly likely that the Las Vegas Raiders will select a quarterback first, while the New York Giants would probably trade the second pick to the highest bidder among the teams in need of a quarterback. Given this situation, the Jets are unlikely to leapfrog the Giants in the draft rankings before Week 18 concludes.
However, the Jets possess the draft capital necessary for a potential trade, including five first-round picks allocated across the 2026 and 2027 drafts, which could allow them to move up for players like Mendoza or Moore. Alternatively, if Darren Mougey decides to retain his draft picks and postpone any major moves for another year, Willis could serve as a more reliable bridge quarterback compared to Fields during this current season. The Jets must carefully navigate the possibility of missing out on a top-two pick in a draft that features two highly regarded quarterbacks.
