The Green Bay Packers have already seen notable changes to their coaching staff this offseason. Former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley departed to take the head coaching job with the Dolphins, marking a significant shift on that side of the ball. Now, attention turns to the roster. As NFL free agency approaches, the Packers are bracing for the possibility of losing several players, including their backup quarterback Malik Willis.
Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com recently unveiled his yearly ranking of the top 101 free agents for the offseason, and his pick for the very top spot came as a bit of a surprise.
Rosenthal put Packers quarterback Malik Willis at the top of his free agent list, edging out the widely regarded top choice, Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, by a single spot.
Malik Willis’ strong play with the Packers lands him No. 1 free agent ranking
Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
“I see him as the most dynamic quarterback in football as a runner, and his tape in Green Bay showed incredible growth as a passer over his two years with Matt LaFleur. Despite his limited sample size, Willis jumped to the top spot of this ranking based on the same logic that applies to the NFL draft: If a potential franchise quarterback is good enough to be ranked in the top five of a list like this, then he should be placed first, by virtue of the position. The ceiling is the roof,” the NFL analyst wrote in his article.
Since being traded to the Packers in 2024, Willis has given his career a major boost. Over the past two seasons as a backup, he has thrown for 972 yards, tallying six touchdowns and no interceptions.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the New York Jets during their football game on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The Packers backup quarterback stepped up impressively when Jordan Love missed time with several injuries during the 2025 season. Because of his strong performance, Willis is expected to secure a solid contract in free agency.
With Willis poised to command serious money on the open market, Green Bay faces a tough decision: pay to retain a proven backup or let a rising star walk.