One of the biggest names on the impending NFL free agent market is Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis. After two seasons backing up Jordan Love, the expectation is that the former third round pick is going to be signed by a team that will allow him to be a starter. Indeed, some are predicting that he will make anywhere between $20-30 million annually on his next contract.
It is easy to see why Willis has become such a hot commodity. After a failed stint with the Tennessee Titans that saw him post a 53.0% completion percentage, 350 passing yards, no touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 49.4 passer rating, Willis found success with the Packers.
In 11 games (three starts) in Green Bay, Willis had a 78.7% completion percentage, 972 passing yards, six touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 134.6 passer rating.
Indeed, the Packers have no chance to retain their backup quarterback, and they are going to need find someone to replace him.
Mark Tauscher wants the Green Bay Packers to replace Malik Willis with Justin Fields
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers already have veterans Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord under contract for the 2026 NFL season. However, there is plenty of speculation that they may want to add someone better to backup Love.
To that end, former Packers offensive lineman Mark Tauscher believes the answer to their problem could be former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields:
“I want the Green Bay #Packers to AGGRESSIVELY go and get Justin Fields to be their backup quarterback.” #GoPackGo | @MarkTauscher65 pic.twitter.com/RVQNRL9gG5
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) March 2, 2026
“There is a quarterback that is as down on his luck and is beaten into the turf more than any quarterback in the league. Probably as much as Malik Willis [was]. And you don’t even have to give up a seventh for this young man. Who is a great athlete, who’s done some good things.
“He’s a one-read guy right now. That’s why he got in trouble with Chicago and why he got in trouble everywhere else he’s been. But it will be a minimal cost. And I think will solve your backup quarterback issues.
“And for him, will be a boom. I want the Green Bay Packers to aggressively go and get Justin Fields to be the backup quarterback.”
Fields signed a two-year $40 million contract with the New York Jets last off-season, but is expected to be released after getting benched in 2025.
In nine games, he had a 62.7% completion percentage, 1,259 passing yards, seven touchdowns, one interceptions, and an 89.5 passer rating. He also had 383 rushing yards and four more touchdowns.
Fields would, of course, be a prime candidate for the Matt LaFleur quarterback redemption school. It would really be something for Green Bay to take their former rival quarterback, fix him, and turn him into a stable NFL passer.
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