🚨MALIK WILLIS SET TO EXPLORE FREE AGENCY: ESPN HIGHLIGHTS TWO POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS FOR QB👇

Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis is entering the offseason with a lot of uncertainty surrounding his future. Having spent two years with the Packers after being acquired via a trade in 2024, Willis is set to become a free agent in 2026. With a projected market value of $5 to $8 million per year, his next destination could be a major storyline this spring, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has highlighted two teams that are likely to pursue him if they can move on from their current quarterbacks.

The Packers and Malik Willis: A Short-Term Partnership

Willis, who joined the Packers via a 2025 seventh-round pick traded by Green Bay’s general manager Brian Gutekunst, has shown flashes of potential over the past couple of seasons. Despite limited playing time, his performance has been promising, with a remarkable two-game stretch in which he completed 27 of 32 passes for 409 yards (12.8 yards per attempt), two passing touchdowns, and an impressive 139.6 passer rating. Additionally, he showcased his dual-threat ability by rushing for 104 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Though Willis has shown promise, it seems unlikely that the Packers will retain him for the 2026 season. During his end-of-season press conference, Gutekunst hinted that Willis would likely have several opportunities to explore free agency this spring, suggesting that the Packers are unlikely to offer him a new deal. This has led many to believe that Willis will be wearing a different jersey next season.

Projected Market for Malik Willis

According to earlier reports, before Willis’ standout stretch in 2025, his market value was projected to fall between $5 million and $8 million per year. However, after his performance late in the season, including his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, it’s possible that his price could rise, especially if a bidding war breaks out between teams. Considering the current state of the NFL quarterback market, it’s not out of the question that Willis could secure a deal similar to Justin Fields’ recent two-year, $20 million per year contract.

Now, the question remains: Where will Willis land in free agency? ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler weighed in on this, offering insights into two teams that could be serious contenders for Willis’ services.

Cardinals and Dolphins: Two Teams with Clear Ties to Willis

According to Fowler, the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins are two teams to watch when it comes to pursuing Willis. Both teams have significant ties to the young quarterback, and their current quarterback situations could open the door for a move.

For the Dolphins, the connection is with new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, both of whom had prior exposure to Willis during his time in Green Bay. With Miami’s current quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, carrying a dead cap hit of $99.2 million in 2026, the Dolphins could be motivated to explore options at quarterback. However, the financial implications of moving on from Tagovailoa are significant, making any potential transition a costly one.

Similarly, the Cardinals are in a situation where they could move on from Kyler Murray. Murray’s contract includes a massive $54.7 million dead cap hit in 2026, which could make parting ways with him challenging. However, new head coach Mike LaFleur could have an inside track on Willis, given his relationship with Matt LaFleur, Willis’ former offensive coordinator in Green Bay. If the Cardinals decide to move forward without Murray, Willis could be a low-cost option to step in and compete for the starting job.

Other Potential Landing Spots for Willis

While the Dolphins and Cardinals are the primary teams linked to Willis at the moment, several other teams could be in the mix depending on their quarterback situations. Fowler identified a few teams that could give Willis a legitimate shot at starting, including the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals.

The Jets, in particular, could be an intriguing option for Willis. If they move on from Zach Wilson, they could look for a young quarterback to develop behind a veteran starter. Similarly, Minnesota could be a possibility if the Vikings decide to address their quarterback situation in the offseason, especially if they aren’t fully committed to Kirk Cousins for the long-term future.

In Carolina, there is the potential for a change at quarterback if the Panthers decide not to pick up Bryce Young’s fifth-year option. Miami could also be a landing spot if the team opts to move on from Tua, and Pittsburgh could be in the mix if they choose not to stick with Rodgers, who has been the subject of trade rumors.

The Quarterback Market in 2026: A Shifting Landscape

As the 2026 offseason approaches, the quarterback market is expected to be one of the most active areas of free agency. Teams across the league are making critical decisions about their quarterback situations, and those decisions will directly impact the value and opportunities available to players like Malik Willis.

If Willis can find a team that offers him a legitimate opportunity to compete for the starting job, his career could take off in a new direction. With his unique skill set as a dual-threat quarterback, he has the potential to be an impact player for a team willing to give him a shot.

The Road Ahead for Malik Willis

As free agency draws closer, the next few months will be critical for Malik Willis as he evaluates his options. While his time in Green Bay may be coming to an end, the quarterback market could provide him with the opportunity to prove himself as a starting-caliber player in the NFL. Whether he ends up in Miami, Arizona, or another team, Willis’ future in the league is far from settled, and he could be poised for a breakout season in 2026 if the right opportunity presents itself.