Malik Willis
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 27: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers have been blessed by having one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league the past two seasons. After sending a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Titans for QB Malik Willis, the Packers have developed the young passer well, and he’s stepped up in critical moments when called upon to lead the team to some wins.
Now, however, Willis’ rookie contract has expired. The Packers won’t be interested in paying a premium for a player they would hope never sees the field in meaningful minutes, so the bidding war will soon commence from the rest of the league.
A former third-round pick out of Liberty, Willis appeared in 11 games over two seasons for the Packers. He threw for 972 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions, completing 78.7-percent of his passes. Willis added 261 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, providing a dual-threat element to Green Bay’s offense.
ESPN Insider Reveals an Update on Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis’ Free Agency Market
Malik Willis
GettyGREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 27: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
On Sunday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler discussed what he was hearing at the NFL Scouting Combine regarding Willis’ market as teams prepare for the start of free agency.
“Willis’ market has been a prominent topic this week,” Fowler wrote. “But a team offering him $30-plus million per year doesn’t appear realistic. Many front offices believe the more accurate comp is Justin Fields‘ deal with the Jets last year (two years, $40 million).”
“Could that jump up due to cap inflation and/or multiple suitors? Sure. A range of $20-25 million annually is certainly a good starting point. But Willis hitting the $30 million threshold as a player with six career starts would surprise some of the teams at the combine.”
“Expect at least two and possibly several teams to be involved on Willis,” Fowler continued. “‘Miami is definitely in,’ a source said. Arizona is combing the market, too, but it doesn’t seem likely that Willis will end up in Cleveland.”
More Intel on the Free Agency Prospects for Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis
“Multiple offensive coaches said Willis has the chance to be the league’s best rushing quarterback and that he has the power in his legs and arm to drive the ball to all parts of the field,” Fowler wrote. “‘The issue will be that you simply can’t run your whole offense with him,’ one prominent offensive coach said. ‘He’s not ready to handle that. So, whether he can sustain a full season will be a question. But he’s got a lot of ability and terrific character.'”
This was always the scout on Willis, dating back to his college days. But he’s flashed enough upside with the Packers that teams are willing to bet on him. It could net Green Bay a nice compensatory pick, too.