Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis was electric throughout Saturday's 41-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Willis completed 18-of-21 passing attempts for 288 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. The dual-threat QB added 60 rushing yards and two additional scores to his offensive totals.
Willis has looked excellent in spot duty this year. The former Liberty standout has completed 85.5% of his attempts (30/35) for 422 yards and three touchdowns. Willis has performed at a starting quarterback level when asked to replace an injured Jordan Love.
Willis is a pending free agent. The 2022 third-round selection will almost certainly be tempted by opportunities to be a bridge starter in 2026. We've identified three potential landing spots for Willis in free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers could enter the market for a quarterback for a third consecutive offseason. The Steelers find themselves in a win-and-in scenario in Week 18. They'll play the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North title in primetime.
Whether the Steelers qualify for the postseason or not, this is almost certainly Aaron Rodgers' final hurrah. Even if the Steelers miss the playoffs, they'll be nowhere near the position needed to draft Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore. That could mean another Russell Wilson or Justin Fields-like solution under center. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith got more out of Fields than anyone, making him an ideal play caller to maximize Willis' talents.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have backed themselves into a corner at quarterback. They placed Kyler Murray on season-ending IR, despite indications that he was gearing up to return. There are serious financial penalties attached to cutting Murray this offseason ($47-54 million, depending on the designation), but a trade is significantly more realistic.
Jacoby Brissett obviously isn't the future. The Cardinals are currently slotted to own the fifth overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Could they make an aggressive move up, or could a quarterback like Ty Simpson, if he declares, be available? The Cardinals have serious questions to answer at quarterback this offseason. Signing Willis would buy them time.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are in a tricky position. They currently possess the third selection according to the real-time draft order. The Las Vegas Raiders would probably take a quarterback at No. 1, and the New York Giants would likely trade the second pick to the highest bidding QB-needy team. The Jets are unlikely to jump the Giants in the draft order in Week 18.
The Jets are equipped with the draft capital required (five first-round selections across 2026-27) to possibly trade up for Mendoza or Moore. Alternatively, if Darren Mougey prefers to hold onto his draft picks and delay the process another year, Willis would be a better bridge option than Fields was this season. The Jets have to navigate potentially missing out on a top-two pick in a two-QB draft.
