As the NFL offseason heats up, one name quietly gaining traction on the quarterback market is Malik Willis. The former third-round pick is set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career, and a few teams are already circling.
According to league buzz, the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins are two organizations to watch closely when it comes to Willis’ next landing spot. Both teams have ties that could make the transition smoother - and more intriguing.
In Miami, there’s a built-in familiarity. New head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan both spent time with Willis in Green Bay, giving them firsthand insight into his work ethic, skill set, and how he fits into a modern NFL offense. That kind of continuity matters, especially when evaluating a quarterback who’s still evolving.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, the connection is a bit more familial. New Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur is the younger brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who worked with Willis this past season. That coaching tree overlap could give the Cardinals a unique perspective on what Willis brings to the table - and how to unlock it.
There’s also a sleeper team in the mix: the Cleveland Browns. While it’s unclear how new head coach Todd Monken views the quarterback room - especially with Shedeur Sanders already in the fold - it’s worth keeping an eye on. Whether Monken sees Willis as a developmental project or a potential threat to compete remains to be seen, but Cleveland has never shied away from adding talent to the QB room.
Let’s not forget how Willis got here. After starting his college career at Auburn, he transferred to Liberty, where he thrived.
In two seasons as the Flames’ starter, he posted a 17-6 record and flashed the dual-threat ability that made scouts take notice. The Tennessee Titans selected him with the No. 86 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping to mold him into a long-term option.
That plan didn’t quite pan out in Nashville. After a couple of uneven seasons, the Titans traded Willis to the Green Bay Packers for a seventh-round pick just before the 2025 season.
But in limited action with the Packers, Willis quietly impressed. He appeared in four games, completing 85.7% of his passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 123 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
That’s not just efficient - it’s explosive, and it hints at a player who might be turning a corner.
Now 26, Willis is entering a pivotal stage in his career. He’s no longer the raw prospect with tantalizing upside - he’s a quarterback with real NFL reps under his belt and flashes of production that teams can’t ignore. Whether he lands in Miami, Arizona, Cleveland, or elsewhere, the next chapter of his journey could be the one that finally defines him.
Stay tuned - this is a quarterback situation worth watching.