The Green Bay Packers are in the market for a new backup quarterback for the 2026 NFL season. After two seasons, Malik Willis is set to become one of the most intriguing names on the NFL free agent market. Originally acquired by Green Bay for a seventh round pick prior to the 2024 NFL season, Willis has played out his rookie contract.
Now, after impressing in his opportunities with the Packers, Willis is expected to be signed by a team that will give him a chance to start in 2026. However, there are some who think that whoever signs him is going to be disappointed.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis expected to be a NFL free agent bust
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report recently put together a list of NFL free agents he thinks will be busts on their new team. Willis was at the top of his list, as he wrote:
“Yes, Willis shined in three spot starts for the Packers, but his three starts in Tennessee were a different story. It’s just a small sample size, though, and the best we saw from him came with one of the league’s more stable franchises.
“The odds are good that the Liberty product’s next team won’t be as stable. The offensive line won’t be as good, and neither will the scheme.
“And if Willis regresses to the player we saw struggle in Nashville, this could be the biggest boondoggle of free agency in 2026.”
In 11 games (three starts) with the Titans, Willis had a 53.0% completion percentage, 350 passing yards, no touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 49.4 passer rating.
In the same sample size (11 games, three starts) with the Packers, he had a 78.7% completion percentage, 972 passing yards, six touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 134.6 passer rating.
While Green Bay fans may be in disagreement with Davenport’s assessment, he does make some good points. Head coach Matt LaFleur had plays designed specifically for Willis that utilized his strengths. The Packers also had an above-average offensive line and quality pass catchers.
His next team may not have those. And while that does not mean for sure that Willis will struggle on his next team, it is hard to see him having a completion percentage and passer rating as high as a regular starter as he did as backup in Green Bay.
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