Malik Willis: The Under-the-Radar QB Who Could Shake Up 2026 Free Agency
With the NFL coaching carousel finally slowing down-10 teams making head coaching changes will do that-the league’s attention now shifts to the next big domino: quarterbacks. And while the spotlight naturally falls on the big names, one of the most intriguing options in this year’s free agent class isn’t a household name. Not yet, anyway.
Enter Malik Willis.
Once a hyped prospect out of Liberty, Willis saw his draft stock tumble in 2022 before landing with the Tennessee Titans in the third round. Since then, it’s been a winding road-coaching changes, a trade to the Packers, and a chance to reset under head coach Matt LaFleur in Green Bay.
And that reset? It might just be paying off.
In limited snaps over the past two seasons, Willis has quietly put together a compelling case. He’s completed nearly 79% of his passes, thrown six touchdowns, added three more on the ground, and-maybe most impressively-hasn’t thrown a single interception.
That kind of efficiency, even in a small sample size, is going to catch the attention of quarterback-needy teams. And with his athleticism and dual-threat ability still very much intact, Willis is shaping up to be a fascinating free agency option.
So where could he land? Let’s take a look at three teams that make a lot of sense.
1. Arizona Cardinals: A Familiar System, A Fresh Start
The Cardinals are resetting in a big way, starting with new head coach Mike LaFleur, who arrives from the Rams. That name should sound familiar-yes, Mike is the brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. And when it comes to evaluating Malik Willis, few people are going to have better intel than the LaFleur brothers.
But the connections don’t stop there. Arizona also brought in Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator.
Hackett spent time with the Packers last season in an analyst role and was briefly hired by the Dolphins before Mike LaFleur brought him to the desert. Between LaFleur and Hackett, the Cardinals are essentially recreating a version of the Packers’ offensive brain trust.
That matters for a guy like Willis. Scheme familiarity, coaching continuity, and a system that plays to his strengths could make Arizona an ideal landing spot.
And with the Cardinals potentially moving on from Kyler Murray this offseason, they’ll need someone to bridge the gap-or maybe even take over. Willis, with his upside and low-risk profile, fits that bill.
2. Miami Dolphins: More Green Bay Ties, More Opportunity
If you’re sensing a theme here, you’re not wrong-Malik Willis’ connections to the Green Bay coaching tree are opening doors.
The Dolphins overhauled their leadership this offseason, bringing in Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach. Both come directly from the Packers organization. That familiarity could give Willis an edge in Miami’s evaluation process.
And the timing might be perfect. With Tua Tagovailoa potentially on the way out, the Dolphins could be in the market for a new quarterback.
Whether they’re looking for a bridge option or someone who could compete for the job outright, Willis offers intrigue. He’s mobile, he’s efficient, and he’s still just scratching the surface of his potential.
In a league where relationships and system fits often drive free agency decisions, Miami could be a natural next stop.
3. Atlanta Falcons: A Homecoming with Upside
Sometimes, free agency is about fit. Sometimes, it’s about opportunity. And sometimes, it’s about coming home.
Malik Willis is a Georgia native who started his college career at Auburn before transferring to Liberty. A return to the Southeast-this time with the Falcons-would be more than just a feel-good story. It might be a smart football move for both sides.
Atlanta is dealing with uncertainty at quarterback. Michael Penix Jr.’s injury has raised questions about depth, and Kirk Cousins appears to be on his way out. That opens the door for a player like Willis, who could step in as a high-upside backup-or even compete for the starting job, depending on how things shake out.
The Falcons also made sweeping changes to their front office and coaching staff this offseason, signaling a fresh start. Bringing in a local talent with untapped potential could be part of that new direction.
Final Thoughts
Malik Willis isn’t the biggest name in this year’s quarterback market, but he might be one of the most intriguing. He’s still young, still athletic, and now has two seasons of development under his belt in a quarterback-friendly system. Add in the connections he has across the league-from Arizona to Miami to Atlanta-and it’s easy to see why teams are taking notice.
Don’t be surprised if Willis ends up in a spot where he gets a real shot to compete. And don’t be shocked if, a year from now, we’re talking about him as one of the best value signings of the 2026 offseason.