Malik Willis played well in relief of Jordan Love on during Sunday’s Packers game, and could turn his opportunity into a last-minute audition. The 26-year-old quarterback out of Liberty is in the final year of his rookie contract and set to enter NFL free agency, and is in line to start in Week 17 if Love doesn’t clear concussion protocol.
Malik Willis Set To Be An NFL Free Agent In 2026
And if he continues to perform like he did in his short sample size against the Bears, he could become a commodity on the QB market.
Malik Willis went 9-for-11 with 121 yards, a TD and no INTs with a 142.8 passer rating against the #Bears.
I promise you, out of all the excuses Packers fans have for losing that game, "we didn't have Jordan Love" isn't a strong one when Willis was that good.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 22, 2025
Willis’ most recent performance offers a snapshot of why teams may covet his unique skill set. Love exited the game in the second quarter due to a concussion, thrusting Willis into action in a crucial NFC North matchup. Willis responded by completing 9 of 11 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown, adding 44 rushing yards on 10 carries and producing an overall efficient showing with a 142.8 passer rating before a late fumble in overtime overshadowed the performance.
In his four seasons in the league, Willis has appeared in 21 contests, but has started just five. He threw three interceptions and zero touchdowns in his rookie year in Tennessee, but has five TDs and no picks in 13 appearances since. In 10 games with the Packers (2 starts), he has completed 76.% of his 68 passes for 684 yards.
Which Teams Could Show Interest In Willis?
Which NFL teams might be interested in adding Malik Willis this offseason? Here are three options:
New York Jets
The New York Jets will almost certainly be in the quarterback market this offseason, regardless of draft strategy. The Jets have plenty of draft capital in 2026 and 2027, and the latter is thought to be the better year for quarterback prospects. A team in clear rebuilding mode, New York could view Willis as a low-cost, high-upside option at quarterback, even if it is only as an option to bridge the gap until they find their franchise signal caller.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s roster is in a transitional stage. If Kyler Murray’s future remains unsettled and Jacoby Brissett inconsistent, the Cardinals could consider injecting youth and play making ability under center. Willis’ combination of rushing ability and efficiency gives him a unique profile that could complement Arizona’s offensive weapons, and they could be one of the few NFL teams willing to offer Willis a contract longer than just a single season.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Geno Smith experiment has been an overall failure for the Raiders, who could be undergoing some serious changes yet again this offseason. It is unclear whether the team intends to bring Smith back, though it has become increasingly likely that they will move on, and could be one of the teams hitting the QB market hard. Like the other teams on this list, Las Vegas could see Willis as a high-upside stopgap before they find their long-term solution.
