The 2026 NFL offseason has officially entered high gear, and the market for Malik Willis is reaching a boiling point.
After two seasons backing up Jordan Love in Green Bay, Willis enters free agency as the quarterback with the most upside on the market.
With the 2026 quarterback class being panned by scouts as historically thin behind projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, Willis has a chance to get paid this offseason. ESPN’s Ben Solak predicts that Willis could receive a deal that pays him around $26 million per year.
The former third-round pick’s stock has skyrocketed following a 2025 campaign where he proved he is ready for a starting role. In relief of Love last season, Willis posted a staggering 145.5 passer rating, throwing for 422 yards and 3 touchdowns with zero interceptions across four appearances.
Here is the definitive look at the five teams vying for his services as the legal tampering period approaches.
NFL Insiders Chime In On Malik Willis Free Agency Landing Spots
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently identified the frontrunners for Willis, noting that the league is watching two specific teams:
“Two teams I’ll be watching to pursue Malik Willis, if they can find someone to take their current quarterbacks, are the Cardinals and Dolphins,” Fowler said. “The ties are obvious: New Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley got a head start on Willis from Green Bay, and new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur can get intimate knowledge of Willis’ game from LaFleur’s brother, Matt.”
The hype isn’t just coming from insiders. NBC Sports’ Chris Simms joined the Dan Patrick Show on Thursday to deliver a glowing endorsement of the free agent signal-caller.
“I think Malik Willis is a superstar,” Simms told Patrick. “Malik Willis has proven that he has special talent. He’s the crowning gem of guys that are going to be out there.”
"I think Malik Willis is a superstar."
– @CSimmsQB gives his thoughts on the impending free agent QB. pic.twitter.com/DMCDwqD1JL
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) February 12, 2026
Here is the definitive look at the five teams vying for his services as the legal tampering period approaches.
1. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins aren’t just looking for a quarterback; they are undergoing a total identity shift. With the franchise expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa before the March 11 league year deadline, Willis could be the next starting QB in Miami.
The connection here is undeniable.
New head coach Jeff Hafley just arrived in Miami after serving as the Packers’ defensive coordinator for the last two seasons. Having watched Willis’ development up-close, Hafley is reportedly the driving force behind Miami’s interest.
Combined with new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan (formerly Packers VP of Player Personnel), the Dolphins’ decision-makers are the same people who helped scout and develop Willis in Wisconsin.
Since joining the Packers in 2024, Willis has completed 78.7% of his passes for 972 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding another 261 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
For a Miami team that lived and died by timing and accuracy under the previous staff, Willis’ evolution into a precision passer is a perfect match for Hafley’s vision of an efficient, hard-nosed offense.
If the Dolphins can get Malik Willis for a short-term deal (as has been suggested) and can make it work under the cap, what really is the risk?
This assumes Hafley and JES want Willis, of course. They have more info on him than anyone outside of GB. pic.twitter.com/Ar52fOErUj
— Matt Infante (@MattInfante) February 12, 2026
2. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona is the ultimate wild card. While Kyler Murray remains on the roster, his future is clouded by trade rumors and a massive $52.7 million cap hit. On February 1, the Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur, the former Rams OC and younger brother of Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur, as their new head coach.
- The Fit: Mike LaFleur runs a variation of the same system his brother uses in Green Bay. There is no player in free agency more familiar with the “LaFleur Playbook” than Malik Willis. If Arizona moves Murray to recoup draft capital and cap space, Willis becomes the plug-and-play starter who requires zero learning curve.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ interest is the ultimate “it depends.” If Aaron Rodgers, who led Pittsburgh to an AFC North title in 2025, decides to return for a 22nd season, Pittsburgh might not be in the mix. However, with Rodgers mulling retirement, Mike McCarthy’s squad needs a long-term answer.
- The Fit: Pittsburgh went 4-2 with Justin Fields as the starting QB in 2024 and Willis would be a meaningful upgrade for a team that consistently drafts near the bottom of the first-round.
- The Stat: Insider reports suggest Willis could command a deal similar to the two-year, $40 million ($30M guaranteed) pact Justin Fields signed last year. Pittsburgh has the roster to win now if they can stabilize the QB room.
4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns are in a state of flux but general manager Andrew Berry could be on the hot seat to make a move. While Deshaun Watson is expected to be healthy by training camp, and 2025 draftees Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are in the building, Cleveland is reportedly “particularly keen” on Willis, per Jason La Confora.
- The Fit: Adding Willis would create the most competitive QB room in the NFL. Given Watson’s recent injury history, Willis provides a “backup” who could realistically win the starting job by Week 1 and become the QB of the future in Cleveland.
- The Problem: Between DeShaun Watson’s contract and the hype surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland seems like an unlikely candidate to invest big money into the QB position in 2026.
5. New York Jets
The Jets are being warned by insiders: “If Hafley doesn’t take Willis to Miami, New York should stay away.” However, Super Bowl champion Phil Simms recently called Willis a “home run” for the Jets.
- The Fit: With the Jets expected to move on from the Justin Fields experiment, Willis offers a fresh start with a massive arm that can cut through the Meadowlands wind.
- The Problem: Head coach Aaron Glenn is on thin ice after an ugly 3-14 in his debut season and could be hesitant to trust an unproven quarterback with his job on the line.
Who Will Sign Malik Willis in Free Agency?
While the Cardinals offer a familiar scheme under Mike LaFleur, the internal momentum in Miami is simply too strong to ignore.
The Dolphins look like the frontrunners to sign Willis. They have a coach in Jeff Hafley who knows exactly what Willis can do, and a GM who helped bring him to Green Bay in the first place.
Miami is desperate to escape the “Tua contract” purgatory. By signing Willis to a mid-tier, incentive-laden deal, they will get a quarterback that has proven he belongs as an NFL starter over the past two seasons.
Prediction: Miami Dolphins
