Towards the end of the 2025 season and into the 2026 offseason, the narrative of quarterback Malik Willis shifted dramatically. No longer seen as the ‘draft bust’ from Tennessee, he is now the premier wild card in 2026.
Why Malik Willis is the 2026 Offseason’s Biggest Wild Card
Willis has become the ultimate wild card because he presents the highest ceiling. But also, the highest risk. After two seasons in the Green Bay Packers’ “QB finishing school”, he has transformed his game.
Here are the factors that make Willis an interesting story and a huge wildcard:
How Willis Thrived In The Green Bay Packers’ QB System
With the Titans, Willis was often viewed as raw and overly anxious. With Green Bay, he excelled with head coach Matt LaFleur. Across eleven appearances (roughly six starts) over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, his numbers were effective.
According to ESPN, Willis completed nearly 78% of his passes and had six touchdowns to zero interceptions, and proved to be extremely mobile. He rushed for over 260 yards and three rushing touchdowns. , proving he can stress a defense with his mobility. However, teams are still wondering if he is a legitimate starter or a product of an excellent system.
The Quarterback Class of 2026
The 2026 offseason is a seller’s market for quarterbacks. The 2026 NFL draft, which is led by Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, is significantly thin. The free agent pool consists of aging and inconsistent players who could derail a franchise. But because of this, Willis offers the most youth and ability to have effective and efficient play.
Willis: A Salary and Roster Paradox
Willis is also considered a wild card because no organization can see what he is worth. There is always the ‘Justin Fields’ deal, which could generate around $20 million per year. But rumors from the NFL combine suggest desperate teams might go as high as $30 million based on his potential.
Potential Teams for a Willis Wild-Card
While the free agent class is considered weak, some teams can take a chance on Willis. Some of these teams include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, and Miami Dolphins. But many journalists and analysts alike are thinking that Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur could excel with Willis. This is because of the like-minded philosophy he has on offense, like his older brother, Mike.