The NFL offseason always brings its fair share of drama, but 2026 has taken it to another level. With 10 head coaching changes and a carousel of coordinators spinning across the league, the next phase is already heating up: quarterback movement. And one name quietly gaining steam is Malik Willis.
Yes, that Malik Willis - the former Liberty standout whose draft stock took a tumble before the Titans scooped him up in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After a rocky start in Tennessee, a change of scenery might have been exactly what he needed.
The Titans moved on from their coaching staff, and Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers. Under head coach Matt LaFleur, he’s quietly rebuilt his game - and his value.
In limited action over the past two seasons, Willis has shown real signs of growth. He completed nearly 79 percent of his passes, tossed six touchdowns, and added three more on the ground - all without throwing a single interception.
That kind of efficiency, even in a small sample size, turns heads. And now, as he hits free agency, teams in need of a quarterback - whether a bridge starter or high-upside backup - are paying attention.
Here are three teams that make a lot of sense as landing spots for Malik Willis in 2026:
1. Arizona Cardinals
Let’s start with the most obvious connection. The Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur - brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur - as their new head coach.
If there’s anyone who’s going to get the inside scoop on Willis’ development in Green Bay, it’s Mike. But it doesn’t stop there.
Arizona also brought in Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator. Hackett spent last season with the Packers in an analyst role and had just taken a job in Miami as quarterbacks coach before LaFleur brought him to the desert. Between LaFleur and Hackett, there’s a strong familiarity with Green Bay’s system - and by extension, with Willis.
With the Cardinals potentially moving on from Kyler Murray, they’ll be looking for a fresh start at quarterback. Malik Willis could fit the bill as a low-risk, high-upside option who already knows the type of offense Arizona is likely to run. It’s a soft landing spot with coaches who know him, believe in him, and can build around his strengths.
2. Miami Dolphins
Another team with Green Bay ties? The Miami Dolphins.
This offseason, Miami brought in Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach - both of whom came from the Packers organization. That familiarity with Willis’ recent development in Green Bay could make the Dolphins a logical suitor.
With Tua Tagovailoa’s future in Miami looking uncertain, the Dolphins may be in the market for a new quarterback. Whether they’re eyeing a long-term solution or just trying to stabilize the position in the short term, Willis offers an intriguing option.
He’s mobile, he’s efficient, and he’s clearly grown in a pro-style system. For a team that’s reshaping its identity, he could be a valuable piece.
3. Atlanta Falcons
Don’t overlook the homecoming angle here.
Willis is a Georgia native who started his college career at Auburn before transferring to Liberty. A return to the Southeast could be appealing - and the Falcons might just have a need.
Michael Penix Jr.’s injury situation could push Atlanta to invest more in their backup quarterback spot, especially with Kirk Cousins expected to be released. The Falcons also underwent a full leadership overhaul this offseason, with changes at both GM and head coach, signaling a fresh direction for the franchise.
For Willis, Atlanta offers a real opportunity. He’d be close to home, in a system that could be tailored to his strengths, and in a quarterback room that may not have a clear long-term starter. If Penix isn’t ready or struggles to stay healthy, Willis could find himself in the mix for meaningful snaps.
Final Thoughts
Malik Willis may not be the biggest name on the free-agent quarterback market, but he might be one of the most intriguing. He’s still just 26, has shown real improvement, and comes with the kind of untapped upside teams are always hunting for - especially when the price is right.
In a league where scheme familiarity, coaching connections, and potential often matter just as much as past production, Willis is checking a lot of boxes. Whether it’s Arizona, Miami, Atlanta, or another team entirely, don’t be surprised if Malik Willis finds himself in a situation where he’s not just holding a clipboard - but pushing for a real shot to start.