The Pittsburgh Steelers are leaning hard into their Green Bay Packers era-and it's starting to get interesting.
First, it was Aaron Rodgers, who came in and helped guide the Steelers to the playoffs in 2025. Now, it’s Mike McCarthy stepping in as head coach, taking over for the long-tenured Mike Tomlin.
That’s two major figures from the Packers’ past now holding the keys in Pittsburgh. But the big question looming over the offseason isn’t about the sidelines-it’s about the quarterback position.
Does Rodgers have one more season left in him? That’s the million-dollar question in Pittsburgh right now.
If the future Hall of Famer decides to walk away-either via retirement or free agency-the Steelers will be back in the QB market. And while options might be limited, there’s one name floating around that fits the current theme: Malik Willis.
Yes, another former Packer.
Willis has spent the last two seasons backing up Jordan Love in Green Bay. And while he hasn’t had a ton of playing time, when he has stepped in, he’s flashed some real potential-showcasing the kind of arm talent and mobility that once made him a buzz-worthy prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft.
He’s not going to come cheap, though. There’s a good chance Willis could command upwards of $10 million per year on the open market.
That’s starter money-or at least high-end backup money with upside-and it’s a price tag that could give some front offices pause. But for a team like Pittsburgh, one that might be looking for a bridge quarterback or a developmental starter with upside, Willis could be a real option.
According to reporting out of Pittsburgh, there are still folks within the Steelers’ organization who liked Willis during the 2022 draft process-and still do. That year, the Steelers ultimately went with Kenny Pickett in the first round, while Willis slid to the Titans later on. But the interest in Willis hasn’t disappeared.
The key, of course, will be the price. Pittsburgh has shown in the past that they’re not eager to overcommit financially to a quarterback they’re not fully sold on-just look at how they approached Justin Fields last offseason. They were cautious then, and there’s no reason to think they’ll abandon that approach now.
But Willis brings something different to the table: raw tools, athleticism, and a potential ceiling that hasn’t been fully tapped yet. If the Steelers can get him at a number they’re comfortable with, he could very well be at the top of their list.
So, what started as a quirky coincidence-Rodgers and now McCarthy-might just turn into a full-blown Packers reunion in Pittsburgh. And if Malik Willis is the next to don the black and gold, it’ll be another bold swing in what’s shaping up to be a fascinating offseason for the Steelers.