The Packers expect to see Malik Willis depart in free agency next month. His destination will remain unclear for the time being, but a list of suitors to watch has emerged. 
At least four teams are regarded as likely to make an offer in Willis’ case, SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora reports. The Steelers are among them. La Canfora adds the Browns and Dolphins are viewed as being “particularly keen” in Willis’ case, making them logical candidates to make a free agent push.
Willis has spent the past two years as a backup to Jordan Love in Green Bay. During limited action filling in as the team’s starter, the former third-round pick has flashed enough potential to generate notable interest. The 2026 quarterback market is not on track to include many options seen as containing much in the way of upside. Willis represents an exception, and a bidding war could land him a starting gig ahead of next season.
The Dolphins have a number of ex-Packers staffers in the fold. That includes new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. The latter holds Willis in high regard, per the report. That would make a notable Dolphins pursuit unsurprising, although the team also has the matter of Tua Tagovailoa and his contract to attend to. Trading Tagovailoa will be a goal for Miami this offseason, and retaining money to facilitate a deal may be on the table. A cost-effective replacement – especially one familiar to the Dolphins’ new decision-makers – would of course be attractive.
Pittsburgh inked Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal last offseason. Connections between the two parties resulted in a long-running period before an agreement was ultimately reached. Moving on to Will Howard or another option could take place in 2026, but the Steelers expressed a willingness to retain Rodgers even before Mike McCarthy was hired as head coach. A QB-HC reunion dating back to the time both shared in Green Bay remains a distinct possibility.
An agent who spoke with La Canfora pointed to Cleveland as the team which could end up in pole position to land Willis. 2025 draftees Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are still in the fold after each saw time atop the depth chart as rookies. Deshaun Watson is likely to be healthy by the start of next season, and he could compete for the QB1 gig. More competition could nevertheless be brought in, something which could point the Browns in the direction of a Willis signing.
One GM predicted Willis, 26, will ultimately land a contract similar to the one Justin Fields signed last spring. Upon joining the Jets, Fields secured a two-year, $40MM pact with $30MM guaranteed. Any pact close to that one would represent a major raise relative to Willis’ rookie contract. Especially if multiple teams find themselves competing for his services, a multi-year contract could soon be in store.
Such a great year for him to be a FA. Wouldn’t be surprised if Arizona or Atlanta were high on him too.
Why on earth would Willis go to Cleveland?
For an opportunity to be a starter?
Rumor has it the Browns want to roster an even dozen QBs this offseason.
As long as Joe Flacco is 1 of them
Didn’t you hear artie 2 wants Flacco to back up the wacko here in Pittsburgh. Wacko being Rodgers.
Different Strokes to rule the world!
RIP if he ends up in Miami
I’m guessing the Jets might have regret on the Fields contract. Willis can get a 2-year deal, but I would think it is backloaded such that if he plays well in year 1, year 2 gets guaranteed.
Fields was 1st rounder while Willis was a 3rd round pick.
If a GM is drawing the salary comparison, I wonder if it should have read “a former GM…”.
Go to Atlanta. Make him a starter. Penix to the bench. Cousins to the bricks.
Steelers backup plan if Rodgers isnt back
That’s going to require a quick decision from Rodgers as Willis isn’t going to sit around and wait to sign. And if it’s sign both, my question would be is Willis really any better than Rudolph?
Did you really just ask if Willis is better than Rudolph? That’s not even worth mulling over. Willis is a future star and Mason is a clipboard holder
What has Willis done to warrant such a comment, really? He’s had a sample size at GB—a few games—and before that largely spun his wheels in Tennessee. I’m just wondering where and how exactly the “future star” tag applies
I’m not intimating that Rudolph is a star or anything more than what you’ve stated but Willis has a long way to go before being called “a future star”
The Steelers need a franchise QB. Not Rodgers. Not Rudolph. I’m not sure it’s this guy, either
Ok true but you’ll see. All I’m saying with Willis
Steelers don’t want them and Steeler fans don’t want him either
Dolphins makes most sense esp with Hafley there now
The Browns have so many other holes to fill, and limited funds to do it. It would make no sense to spend money on Willis, who is probably only marginally better than any of the guys they have in house. They need to fortify the offensive line, add some wide receivers, and see if Monken can coach up the quarterbacks they have, or an outside acquisition that is more budget-friendly.
The Browns have a 2025 Pro Bowl QB on their roster in Shedeur Sanders. Why would they be interested in Willis? They’re all set at QB!
Don’t laugh. ..Sanders is the guy they will develop and Willis stands in the way…don’t see that happening
He’s got what it takes to be a decent to good starter I hope he gets a chance to
If the Eagles could get a 3rd for McKee, I’d grab this guy in a heartbeat
Cardinals would be interesting with LaFleurs bro
Nothing would beat defeating your brother with his backup qb
Minnesota should be on the list, JJ isnt it.
If my memory is correct. Didn’t tomlin want to draft him instead of Pickett?
So who can and cannot be offered a tender? It sounds like Willis does not qualify? Why not? Just trying to understand.