Jason Burgos
Despite a failed run in Tennessee and just being a backup in Green Bay the last two years, if teams like the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, or Pittsburgh Steelers want to sign Malik Willis in free agency, it is going to be at a ridiculous price.
While they had different results in 2025, the Dolphins, Browns, and Steelers all head into the offseason with the same issue. Figuring out who will be their starting quarterback next season.
After disappointing over the last two seasons following a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2023, Miami is expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa this offseason. Cleveland has options like Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, but rumors suggest they will take a look at the QB market this offseason. Pittsburgh could run it back with Aaron Rodgers in 2026, but they need to figure out a long-term option at the position.
That is why all three have been linked to impending free agent Malik Willis in reports and speculation. The third round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft is seen as the best QB available in free agency despite an underwhelming two-year run with the Tennessee Titans to begin his career, and then serving as the backup for the Green Bay Packers in 2024 and 2025.
Malik Willis could get a deal worth over $30 million annually?
Willis’ time in Green Bay and what he showed in limited action last season have created a lot of buzz that the 26-year-old could be the next Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones. Due to a weak QB market this offseason and his untapped potential, Willis apparently is drawing a lot of interest, and it is driving up the asking price for the teams that want to sign him.
“Packers free agent QB Malik Willis is in demand, as expected, and interested teams I’ve spoken to at the Combine in Indianapolis believe him getting at least $30 million per year is a foregone conclusion,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports.
A deal in the thirties would give him money similar to Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Players who have proven far more and reached the playoffs during their career. It is a stunning amount Willis might get, but it is the going rate for an in-demand position that gets some of the biggest contracts in the NFL.
