If Malik Willis is looking to boost his stock heading into free agency, he might want to send Chris Simms a thank-you card.
The former NFL quarterback and current NBC Sports analyst didn’t hold back during his appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, dropping a bold take that turned heads across the league: “I think Malik Willis is a superstar.”
That’s not just lip service. With the free agent market set to open next month, Willis’ name is already generating buzz-and for good reason.
After two seasons in Green Bay backing up Jordan Love, Willis has quietly built a compelling case for himself. And now, with a chance to test the open market, he could be one of the most intriguing quarterback options available.
Let’s break down why.
Making the Most of His Moment
Willis, 26, didn’t get a ton of playing time in 2025, but when he did, he made it count. In four games-including one start-he completed a staggering 85.7% of his passes for 422 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
That’s good for a 145.5 passer rating. Add in 123 rushing yards and two scores on 22 carries, and you’ve got a dual-threat quarterback who made the most of every snap.
Those are the kind of numbers that don’t just pop-they demand attention.
What’s more, Willis showed poise and command of Matt LaFleur’s offense, something that often takes young quarterbacks years to develop. Working with respected quarterback coaches like Tom Clements and Sean Mannion clearly paid dividends. Willis looked sharp, decisive, and in control-traits that can be hard to find in a backup, let alone a potential starter.
From Tennessee to Green Bay: A Fresh Start
Drafted 86th overall by the Titans in the third round, Willis never quite found his footing in Tennessee. After two seasons of limited action and inconsistent results, the Titans moved on and shipped him to the Packers ahead of the 2024 season.
That trade turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
In Green Bay, Willis stepped into a stable environment with a clear offensive identity and a quarterback room built to develop talent. And while Jordan Love has clearly solidified his role as the franchise guy-leading the Packers to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons as a starter-Willis carved out his own niche, impressing both inside and outside the building.
Simms: “Special Talent, Special Arm, Special Mobility”
Chris Simms isn’t just throwing around compliments-he’s been high on Willis since the draft. And now, with a more complete picture of what Willis can do in the right system, Simms is doubling down.
“Special talent, special arm, special mobility, knows how to run the offense,” Simms said on Thursday, calling Willis the “crowning gem” of this year’s free agent class.
He even floated the Pittsburgh Steelers as a team that should be keeping tabs on Willis, should they be in the market for quarterback help. And it’s not hard to see why. Teams looking for a high-upside option-either to compete for a starting job or to push an existing QB room-will have to take a long look at what Willis brings to the table.
The Jordan Love Comparison
It’s impossible to talk about Willis without mentioning Jordan Love. After all, they’ve shared a quarterback room for two years, and fans in Green Bay haven’t been shy about voicing their interest in seeing more of Willis.
Simms, who says he's a fan of both players, offered this take: *“It’s closer than I ever thought it would be and I’m a Jordan Love fan. Malik Willis… I’m not going to say he’s better than Jordan Love right now, but I will say he shows more potential to be a greater player than Jordan Love.
But I got to see a little bit more to say he’s better.” *
That’s high praise-and it underscores just how far Willis has come since his days with the Titans. The raw tools have always been there: the arm strength, the athleticism, the creativity on the move. But now, with real NFL reps under his belt and a strong showing in a complex offense, Willis is no longer just a project-he’s a quarterback with real starting potential.
What Comes Next?
As free agency approaches, Malik Willis is poised to be one of the most compelling quarterback options on the market. He’s young.
He’s dynamic. And he’s shown he can thrive when given the right support system.
Whether he lands with a team looking for a bridge starter, a QB2 with upside, or someone ready to compete for the No. 1 job, Willis has put himself in a position to take the next big step in his career.
And if Chris Simms is right, we might not have seen the best of him yet.