Malik Willis entered the 2025 season as a backup, but he is leaving it as one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the NFL. The Green Bay Packers signal-caller made the most of his limited chances, peaking with a gutsy Week 17 start against the Baltimore Ravens. He completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards, threw one touchdown, and rushed nine times for 60 yards and two more scores before a shoulder injuryforcedhim out late in the fourth quarter.
That one game changed how teams around the league viewed him. With free agency now approaching, insiders are reporting a significant payday is coming his way.
Jordan Schultz Says Packers Free Agent Malik Willis Has Interested Teams Lining Up
NFL insider Jordan Schultzspoke with league sources at the Combine in Indianapolis on February 25 and reported that teams consider a contract of at least $30 million per year for Willis a near certainty.
The demand is real and growing. Ian Rapoport echoed that range, projecting $30 million to $35 million annually, with some deal structures potentially reaching as high as $42 million.
NFL Insider Says Packers Free Agent Malik Willis Set to Earn at Least $30M Per Year
NFL Insider Says Packers Free Agent Malik Willis Set to Earn at Least $30M Per Year (Credit: Imagn Image)
Willis finished the 2025 regular season completing 85.7 percent of his passes across four appearances, totaling 422 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. He added 123 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. NFL.com lists him as thetop overall free agent heading into the offseason.
The Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals are among the teams showing serious interest, drawn to his dual-threat ability and clean decision-making. Green Bay is not expected to retain him with Jordan Love locked in as the starter, though the Packers could earn a compensatory draft pick if Willis signs a major deal elsewhere.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunstconfirmed the team expects Willis to depart and pursue a starting opportunity.
Willis Built His Value the Right Way, and the Market Is Ready to Reward It Originally a third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022, Willis was traded to Green Bay in August 2024 for a seventh-round pick after limited opportunities in Tennessee. He thrived within Matt LaFleur’s system, posting a 124.8 passer rating across the 2024 season and following it with his strong 2025 work.
In a quarterback market with few proven options available, his combination of mobility, accuracy, and zero turnovers carries real weight for teams in need.
Willis enters free agency healthy enough to compete and proven enough to start. When the market opens, the bidding is expected to move fast.