Packers quarterback Malik Willis is expected to draw heavy free agent interest this offseason, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
The former Titans third-rounder did not show much in Tennessee, but he has found a grove in Green Bay over the last two years. Willis won both of his starts in 2024 and has generally played well when called upon. This year, he took a few snaps in Weeks 11 and 12 before an extended relief appearance last week after Jordan Love sustained a concussion. Willis completed eight of his 11 passes for 121 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions while adding 44 yards on the ground, though he could not lead a game-winning drive in overtime. The Packers offense has generally functioned smoothly with Willis under center.
That is why other teams will likely be interested this offseason. Willis himself may want a chance to compete for a starting job, which he will not get in Green Bay barring a significant injury to Love. A team looking for a quarterback could look to Willis as a bridge quarterback or reclamation project, perhaps to compete with a young passer for a starting job. Willis’ success in a McVay-style offense could be especially appealing to teams with similar offenses and/or a coach from McVay’s tree.
Unsurprisingly, the Packers would prefer to retain Willis as a high-end backup for exactly the situation that has come up this week. Love did not clear concussion protocol by the end of Green Bay’s practice week on Thursday, though he did progress though a few phases. He is also dealing with a left (non-throwing) shoulder injury and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game. That positions Willis to start on Saturday against the Ravens, though he is dealing with a shoulder injury to his throwing arm as well as an illness. He is also listed as questionable, though he said earlier in the week (via The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman) that he expects to play.
Makes a ton of sense for a team that intends to draft a young QB. Have them compete.
It’s such a thin QB draft class that I could see him getting an inside shot at a long-term gig somewhere. As it stands, I bet Ty Simpson goes back to school to fix whatever fell apart this year. Of the 8 teams who I could see making a QB move this off-season:
Colts will probably just bring Jones back.
Pittsburgh will probably bring Rodgers back, maybe draft Nussmeier in rd 2 for development.
Saints will probably give Shough another season since they won’t have a top two pick.
Two of the Browns, Raiders, Jets and Cards will draft the two rookie QBs.
That leaves the Dolphins and the two who miss out on the rookies. He’ll be starting for one of those three teams.
Miami may make sense, as a team who will need to address QB but likely misses out on the Mendoza/Moore/Simpson (if he declares) bucket.
Felt like that game last week was an audition for Miami……..
“Found a grove” sounds like something a Michigan coach would do. No mention of Ashteroth.
I would love to see him with jets he could win that city some games if they build around him. If not for Stetson he’d be a great rams successor to Stafford if he finally calls it quits.
Stetson will turn 29 next season and hasn’t thrown an NFL pass. I would take Willis over him. I think Stafford plays two more seasons though.
Are you kidding me?? The Jets?? lol. That’s the team where QB’s go to die!!
Jets have to be uplifted eventually. Malik would be a low risk investment piece to see if they win games and give the starving fans something to be proud of. Gun to my head I’m choosing Malik over fields and Tyrod any day of the year
I’d take the B/U pay and spend another 12-15 years in the league w/o too many injuries. Solid paychecks!
I thought the Marines conditioned guys to always want to be in the thick of a battle…not passive observers 🙂
True, but I’m in my 50’s now!
I liked Willis coming out of the draft, can’t blame him for what happened in Tennessee. He’s looked good when he’s gotten chances in GB. Probably sign a decent backup contract like Mac Jones did in SF. I like him for the Vikes or Falcons.
If he’s going to be a backup somewhere why wouldn’t he just sign with the packers?? Instead u suggest the Vikings? Wow
He wants to go somewhere that will give him a chance to play, and both the Falcons & Vikings are considered unsettled at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy looked rather pedestrian until the last couple of weeks before his recent injury, & Penix is having injury issues just like in college. Green Bay is already paying Love so much, they can’t afford an expensive backup.
I’m pretty sure the vikings are sticking with McCarthy with already a few yrs invested in him, Willis I hate to say it won’t garner much interest in starting he’s better off staying with the pack. It’s where he’s comfortable and excellent with the offense
I’d love to see him come back, he’s a really good backup, and Green Bay is my team, but I also remember how Matt Flynn got that big contract from Seattle when they planned on starting him, & he only had that one start. We could see at least a quarter of the league going quarterback shopping in the offseason. I could see several teams eyeing him as an upgrade over what they have now.
GB has been playing to his strengths when he has to play. His CMP% is 76 in GB, vs like 53% in his time in TEN. Anyone who signs him is going to have to understand what they got, have him work in the intermediate passing lanes and have him utilize his legs. TEN did none of that and it went predictably well. Saw the same with Levis and Ward after Willis left.
Makes me feel Levis could maybe do the same if he gets out of there. Maybe.
Trade him back to Tennessee for Ward and Levis!