The Green Bay Packers showed — again — why having a high-end backup quarterback is crucial in today’s league. Having Malik Willis on the shelf can be the difference between fighting for the division and not making the playoffs.
Now, after just four starts and 28 pure dropbacks, Willis is about to be one of the most sought-after free agents in a league that never has enough QB drama.
As such, ESPN insider Dan Graziano predicted he’d receive compelling offers from the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Jets. However, he also thinks he will end up signing with none other than the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers Might Have to Face Malik Willis Twice a Year
“Willis goes to Minnesota here. Sure, there are higher offers and more guarantees with the Cardinals and Jets, but I don’t really like the idea of a two-year deal,” wrote Graziano. “Worst case, Willis gets hurt or plays poorly, leading Arizona or New York to cut him. Best case, he is great … and then underpaid in 2027.”
The insider believes that having the opportunity to play for a quarterback whisperer and have a former NFL QB as his coach would be enticing enough for Willis to take a little less money:
“But playing for O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, as well as throwing to Jefferson, would give Willis the best chance to have a huge year and really cash in next offseason,” Graziano added.
The Vikings will explore their options at quarterback. They might not be as sold on the J.J. McCarthy experiment as they once were, and Willis is, along with Kyler Murray, the top name in free agency right now.
The sample size is limited, but Willis’ dual-threat abilities and otherworldly athleticism make him an intriguing reclamation project. And with the Packers committed to Jordan Love, they may have to deal with him twice a year in the NFC North.
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