Malik Willis, Green Bay Packers
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Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Colts 16-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
When the Green Bay Packers pulled off the trade with the Tennessee Titans to acquire quarterback Malik Willis a couple of years back, no one could have guessed what the move would turn into.
In his first season with the Packers, Willis was called upon almost immediately when Jordan Love went down in the season opener with a knee injury. He came in and started a few games and looked great on the field.
Willis played in seven games during his first season with the team, completing 74.1 percent of his passes for 550 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, while also running for 138 yards and a score. During his second season in Green Bay in 2025, he played in four games and threw for 422 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, completing 85.7 percent of his passes and running for 123 yards and a score.
No one could have asked for more from Willis. Now, he’s set to cash in during NFL free agency.
It is widely expected that the 26-year-old quarterback will leave the Packers this offseason. Where could he end up signing? Three teams have been mentioned as the most likely destinations for him.
3 Suitors Emerging for Packers’ Free Agent QB Malik Willis
Henry McKenna of Fox Sports has named the three best fits for Willis this offseason. They are teams that have been talked about for a few weeks as the most likely suitors.
Those three teams are the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals.
At this stage of his career, Willis has effectively turned his NFL career around. After a slow start with the Titans, he’s back to looking like a potential long-term franchise quarterback.
With that being said, let’s take a closer look at each of the three teams and why they would make sense for Willis.
A Closer Look at Malik Willis’ Potential Destinations
Right off the bat, the Dolphins jump out as a logical team in free agency for Willis. Jeff Hafley, Green Bay’s former defensive coordinator, was hired to be the team’s new head coach this offseason. That familiarity would come with built-in belief in what Willis could bring to the table for Miami.
As for the Steelers, the future of Aaron Rodgers remains a question mark. Pittsburgh has to figure out a long-term option under center. Willis could very well be that guy.
Finally, the Cardinals have decided to part ways with former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray. New head coach Mike LaFleur is the brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. There is no question that the two have discussed Willis, which could make Arizona more comfortable with being aggressive.
Only time will tell where Willis chooses to sign. Green Bay will hate to see Willis go, but the Packers were able to help him turn his career around and should be able to pivot to bring in another quality backup behind Love.