At what price should the Steelers entertain Malik Willis, if at all?
At this point, the Malik Willis conversation is unavoidable as the Steelers’ offseason unfolds, despite the backdrop of Aaron Rodgers. It seemed foretold that Rodgers will return for the 2026 season and reunite with Mike McCarthy. But until he re-signs, this will be a debate until the start of the new league year begins.
Rodgers is quite obviously a stopgap solution, however, given he is going into his 22nd season. He played well enough for the Steelers to make the playoffs last season, but even if he were in his prime, they would still need to be looking for a long-term solution. Malik Willis is the most notable quarterback entering free agency. But is that a testament to his abilities, or an indictment of the available talent?
Willis was a part of the horrendous quarterback draft class of 2022, of which the Steelers partook with Kenny Pickett. Lasting just two years before they traded him, he may have given the front office some reservations about drafting a quarterback high.
Part of the reason Malik Willis lasted to the third round was because of his collegiate background. Coming out of a small school and a limited offensive system, he had more growing to do at the NFL level than most. Part of the reason the Steelers chose Pickett over him was because Pickett was seen as NFL-ready (narrator: he wasn’t).
In four seasons, Malik Willis has six starts to his name, going 3-3, including 2-1 over the past two seasons with the Packers. He is 105-for-155 passing for his career with 1,322 passing yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Last season, He completed 30 of 35 attempts for 422 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Other available names on the free agency market are Daniel Jones, Russell Wilson, Marcus Mariota, Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Trey Lance…and Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Kyle Allen. There is, of course, Aaron Rodgers as well. And Malik Willis is considered by most as the best available quarterback.
Willis will turn 27 this year, and the Steelers have a head coach in Mike McCarthy known for developing quarterbacks. But there has been wild speculation as to what he might command in free agency. A year ago, Justin Fields got a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. At what figure might the price be right for the Steelers to even entertain the notion of going with Willis over Rodgers? Or, at least, in the event that Rodgers retires?
The Steelers exited the playoffs in the first round yet again, a pattern going back to 2017.With seven consecutive postseason losses, and no wins in nearly a decade, they are facing another long, long offseason. No doubt we will see many changes, but none will top Mike Tomlin resigning.
The NFL has crowned its latest champion, but for us and the Steelers, we have been in offseason mode. That’s what happens when the team you coverloses by the middle of January all the time, but you’ve been around, so you know that already. Enjoy the ride, even the turbulence, because it’s the only way we know how to travel anymore.
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