Could Malik Willis Be the Steelers' Next QB Target? Why Mike McCarthy Might Look Beyond Aaron Rodgers
With Mike McCarthy now steering the ship in Pittsburgh, there’s been plenty of chatter about a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers. On the surface, it checks a few boxes-familiarity, veteran leadership, and a shared history of success in Green Bay. But not everyone’s convinced that’s the right move for the Steelers.
Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd floated a different idea on his radio show Friday: instead of looking back, Pittsburgh should look forward-and younger. His pick? Malik Willis.
“I would go get Malik Willis,” Cowherd said. “McCarthy has a connection to Green Bay.
He’s gonna have intel. Also, the Steelers need to get younger and more athletic.”
It’s an intriguing suggestion. Willis, currently a backup with the Packers, has quietly built a bit of buzz around the league.
According to Cowherd, there are voices both inside and outside the building who believe Willis might even be better than Jordan Love. That’s a bold claim-and one Cowherd himself admits he doesn’t fully buy-but it highlights the growing interest in Willis as a potential starter.
And while Rodgers would come cheaper, Spotrac estimates Willis’ market value at a hefty $35.5 million per year. That’s a big number for a quarterback who hasn’t started since his rookie season in Tennessee, but it also reflects the league’s hunger for mobile, dynamic passers with upside. At 26, Willis still fits that mold.
Drafted 86th overall by the Titans in 2022-66 picks after the Steelers selected Kenny Pickett-Willis had a short stint as a starter before being replaced and eventually moved to Green Bay. He now backs up Jordan Love, but his athleticism and arm talent haven’t gone unnoticed.
McCarthy, for all the knocks he’s taken over the years, has a track record of developing quarterbacks. If he believes there’s untapped potential in Willis, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s bet on a young passer and made it work.
Cowherd also raised a valid concern about a Rodgers-McCarthy reunion. The two had a well-documented split in Green Bay, and while time may have softened the edges, it’s not exactly a seamless fit.
“Let’s face it. With Aaron, Aaron did the best job possible,” Cowherd said.
“But do you really think Aaron and Mike McCarthy (will work)? McCarthy’s went and hired a new staff, one of them doesn’t really see eye-to-eye with Aaron.
It doesn’t feel like an ideal fit.”
That’s not just about personalities-it’s about direction. McCarthy may be looking to build something new in Pittsburgh, not rehash the past. A younger, more mobile quarterback like Willis could offer more flexibility in modern offensive schemes, especially if the Steelers are planning to evolve their identity on that side of the ball.
Cowherd didn’t stop at Pittsburgh. He also weighed in on quarterback situations across the league, suggesting the Dolphins and Browns stick with Tua Tagovailoa and Shedeur Sanders for another season, while the Colts ride with Riley Leonard. For the Jets, he sees LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier as a potential second-round target in April’s NFL Draft.
As for the Cardinals, Cowherd believes it’s time to move on from Kyler Murray. His recommendation? Trade down in the draft and target Alabama’s Ty Simpson-who, interestingly enough, has been mocked to the Steelers in recent projections.
But back in Pittsburgh, the focus is on finding the right quarterback to lead the next era under McCarthy. Whether that’s a high-profile veteran like Rodgers or a younger, high-upside option like Willis remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: the Steelers have options-and they’re not afraid to explore them.