Malik Willis Set to Command Starting-Level Interest in 2026 Free Agency

Malik Willis isn’t heading into 2026 free agency as a typical backup.

He’s entering the market as a quarterback expected to compete for a starting job, and in some cases, potentially be signed as one.

After rebuilding his value in Green Bay, Willis has positioned himself as one of the more intriguing quarterback options available this offseason. Once viewed as a raw, developmental talent coming out of Liberty, Willis has shown tangible growth in his processing, accuracy in structure, and overall command. His athletic profile has always been there. Now the film shows progress.

And in a league starving for quarterback stability, that matters.

In limited action during the 2025 season, Willis appeared in four games for Green Bay and made the most of his opportunities. He completed 30 of 35 passes (85.7%) for 422 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions, finishing with a 93.1 passer rating. He also added value as a runner, carrying the ball 22 times for 123 yards and two rushing touchdowns. While the sample size was small, the efficiency, particularly the ball security and completion rate, helped rebuild his market value heading into 2026 free agency.

Malik Willis could be the most sought-after QB in 2026 NFL free agency

The 2026 free-agent quarterback class lacks clear franchise-altering names. That reality elevates players like Willis into the spotlight. He’s still young, mobile, and experienced enough to step into a competition immediately. Teams drafting outside the top five, or those unwilling to mortgage draft capital to trade up, could view him as a viable bridge with upside.

Clubs expected to monitor the market include quarterback-needy or transitional teams such as the Dolphins, Cardinals, Falcons, Jets, and Vikings. A franchise seeking a competition-based approach rather than a guaranteed veteran starter could see Willis as an ideal fit.

"Where will Willis fit? Much of it depends on the number of teams that pursue him," Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio wrote. "The Dolphins, who are now run by a pair of former Packers employees, are a team to watch — if they can wedge Willis’s contract into the cap wreckage of the Tua contract. The Cardinals, where Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s brother, Mike, is now the head coach, could make sense, too."

Financially, the market suggests he could land a massive deal in the $35.5 million-per-season range, depending on the structure and guarantees. That’s starter money, particularly if incentives tied to playing time are included. Even in a “competition” scenario, that number signals real opportunity, not clipboard duty.

Green Bay would likely prefer to retain him as a high-end No. 2, but the open market may price him out of that role. Backup quarterback contracts have steadily climbed, and Willis’ athletic upside only strengthens his negotiating position.

He doesn’t need to be viewed as a sure-fire franchise quarterback to command that kind of deal.

And in 2026, that’s more than enough to cash in.