Malik Willis’ Rise in Green Bay May Lead to Bigger Opportunity Elsewhere
In a league where finding just one reliable quarterback can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, the Green Bay Packers found themselves in a rare and enviable spot: they had two. And while Jordan Love has firmly established himself as the franchise’s present and future under center, backup quarterback Malik Willis has quietly - and impressively - turned himself into one of the most intriguing names on the 2026 free-agent market.
Let’s be clear: Willis wasn’t just a serviceable backup. He was a spark plug, a steady hand, and at times, a legitimate difference-maker.
Over two seasons in Green Bay, he started just three games but made his presence felt in several more. The stat line tells part of the story - six touchdowns, zero interceptions, a completion rate north of 78%, and over 260 rushing yards with three rushing scores - but it’s the context that really makes it pop.
Willis thrived in Matt LaFleur’s system, showcasing poise, precision, and athleticism every time he stepped in. So much so that at a few points over the past two seasons, LaFleur was fielding questions about whether Willis should be the starter. That’s not a knock on Love, who’s played some of the best football of his young career - it’s a testament to just how sharp Willis looked when given the reins.
After a standout performance against the Ravens this past December, LaFleur made it clear where things stood.
“I think Jordan Love is playing some pretty high-level football, and it’s great that we feel the same about Malik in his ability to go in there. I thought he’s had two really back-to-back outstanding performances,” LaFleur said. “We’re in a good spot with that position… but it’s clear that Jordan is our franchise quarterback, and when he is healthy, he’s going to be our starter.”
Translation: Willis is a luxury - and one the Packers probably won’t be able to afford much longer.
The reality is, Willis has outgrown the backup label. He’s earned a shot to lead a team of his own, and with quarterback-needy franchises lining up this offseason, that opportunity is likely coming.
Pro Football Focus projects his next deal to land somewhere around two years, $40 million, with $30 million guaranteed. That’s starter money - and it’s money the cap-strapped Packers just can’t match, especially for a player who, barring injury, won’t see the field.
There’s also the bigger-picture question: even if Green Bay could somehow convince Willis to stay, would it be the right move for either side? Keeping him would mean diverting significant resources away from other key free agents - a tough ask for a team trying to maximize its Super Bowl window.
And while having a high-end backup is a great insurance policy, history shows that once a starting quarterback goes down for the season, even the best backup rarely leads a team to a title. (Nick Foles’ magical 2017 run being the exception, not the rule.)
Still, there’s no denying the comfort Willis provided. He gave the Packers a level of security at quarterback that few teams enjoy. If Love ever missed time, they had someone who could step in and keep the offense humming - not just manage the game, but win it.
That kind of depth is rare. And fleeting.
The likely departure of Willis is a reminder of just how loaded the 2025 Packers roster was before injuries took their toll - and how difficult it is to keep a roster like that together. It’s not just about talent; it’s about timing, contracts, and the cold math of the salary cap.
So while Green Bay would love to keep Malik Willis around, the writing’s on the wall. He’s played too well, shown too much, and earned the chance to lead a team of his own. That’s the kind of “problem” every team wants to have - and the kind that doesn’t last long in the NFL.