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.
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.