2026 NFL free agency: Projecting deals for QB Malik Willis - ESPN

While this NFL offseason doesn't project to have as much exciting quarterback movement as previous years, one free agent has certainly jumped out. Quarterback Malik Willis, who was drafted by the Titans in the third round of the 2022 draft, has had a serviceable past two seasons with the Packers as Jordan Love's backup. Willis is a true wild card in this free agent class, though. He has only six career starts, but his upside could land him a deal worth $20-$30 million per year.

Ahead of the legal negotiating window for NFL free agency on Monday, we wanted to simulate the market for Willis. How? We came up with a list of six teams that could be interested: the Browns, Cardinals, Dolphins, Jets, Steelers and Vikings. Then, we asked the NFL Nation reporters who cover those teams to serve as their respective GMs and either make a deal or pass on the negotiations. Once all the offers came in, national NFL reporter Dan Graziano played the role of Willis' rep and chose the best deal for the QB.

Before getting into the negotiations, let's start with a little background on Willis' career and what he brings from NFL analyst Ben Solak.

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Teams that passed | Teams that offered
Willis signs with ...

2025 team: Green Bay Packers
Matt Bowen's free agency ranking: No. 14

2025 passing stats: 422 yards, 3 TD passes, 0 INTs
2025 rushing stats: 123 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs

What he brings: The 26-year-old has only six career starts — three with the Titans and three with the Packers — during his four-year career. All six were spot starts behind an injured QB, and his reps with the Titans were brutal. Willis had no touchdowns and three interceptions, completed just 50% of his passes, was sacked 10 times and averaged 4.5 yards per