The Green Bay Packers are likely heading into the offseason with a notable change in their quarterback room. Malik Willis, who spent the last two seasons backing up Jordan Love, is expected to test the free-agent market-and based on early projections, he won’t come cheap.
Willis, a former third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022, is reportedly in line for a contract north of $10 million per year. That price tag makes it unlikely Green Bay brings him back, especially with Love firmly entrenched as the starter. Instead, Willis is expected to seek out a situation where he can compete for a starting job-or at the very least, be more than just a clipboard holder.
One team to watch? The Pittsburgh Steelers.
Yes, the same Steelers who once passed on Willis in the 2022 draft in favor of Kenny Pickett could now circle back. And if that happens, it would be a full-circle moment: a former Packers quarterback potentially replacing another, with Willis stepping into the role vacated by Aaron Rodgers.
There’s reportedly still interest in Willis inside the Steelers organization. According to recent reports, some within the building were high on him coming out of Liberty and still believe in his upside.
The key question, of course, is cost. Pittsburgh has shown in recent years that they’re not eager to overcommit financially to uncertain quarterback situations.
They passed on a long-term deal for Justin Fields last offseason, and they may approach Willis with similar caution.
That said, the upside is hard to ignore. Willis struggled in his early years with the Titans, but his time in Green Bay under Matt LaFleur appears to have paid dividends.
He’s looked more composed, more decisive, and more confident when called upon to step in for Love. The physical tools-big arm, dynamic mobility-were never in question.
What’s changed is the polish. He looks like a quarterback who’s ready to compete, not just develop.
In Pittsburgh, Willis would be walking into a unique situation. New head coach Mike McCarthy-another former Packers figure-would likely welcome a quarterback who can extend plays and bring a little juice to the offense. The Steelers have been looking to modernize their attack, and Willis offers a different flavor than what they’ve had in recent seasons.
Of course, the Steelers won’t be the only team interested. Willis’ blend of experience, potential, and growth over the past two years makes him one of the more intriguing quarterbacks on the market this offseason. Whether it's Pittsburgh or somewhere else, expect his name to come up a lot in the coming weeks.
For Green Bay, it’s a tough loss from a depth standpoint. But for Willis, the next chapter could be the one where he finally gets a real shot to lead.