The free-agent quarterback market may not be overflowing with star power, but there's a name that could be an intriguing fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis. While Aaron Rodgers often grabs the headlines, let's delve into why Willis might be a smart move for Pittsburgh.
Mina Kimes recently highlighted on “NFL Live” that the Steelers could be an ideal destination for Willis. Unlike the Miami Dolphins, who have other pressing needs that make a quarterback signing less feasible, the Steelers have the resources to make a strategic addition like Willis to keep them competitive.
Kimes pointed out, “The timeline and the player just align perfectly.” The Steelers, fresh off a playoff appearance and known for solid drafting, have some gaps to fill-like adding another receiver or cornerback. But the current offensive setup seems tailor-made for a player like Willis.
Drawing parallels to Jalen Hurts, Kimes noted that Willis would thrive in an offense with a strong run game, creating one-on-one opportunities for receivers. This kind of setup could maximize his potential and add a new dimension to Pittsburgh’s offense.
However, Willis comes with some uncertainties. With only six starts over four NFL seasons and just 155 career passes under his belt, signing him involves a degree of risk-especially when considering he might replace a future Hall of Famer on a team with consistent playoff aspirations.
Despite this, Willis has sparked considerable interest thanks to two standout performances late last season. Filling in for Jordan Love, he completed 27 of 32 passes for 409 yards and two touchdowns over two games. His dual-threat capability was on full display with 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing the kind of versatility that could be a game-changer for the Steelers.
In the end, while the decision carries its risks, the potential rewards of adding Willis to the Steelers' roster could be significant. It's a move that could shape the future of the team in exciting ways.