The Pittsburgh Steelers are actively searching for a quarterback as the 2026 season approaches, facing uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ potential return. Although head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed a desire to have Rodgers back in 2026, nothing is guaranteed. With limited promising quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft, the Steelers are expected to lean heavily on free agency to find their next starting quarterback, making Malik Willis a notable candidate.
Mina Kimes Endorses Pittsburgh as Best Opportunity for Malik Willis
ESPN’s Mina Kimes recently highlighted the Steelers as Willis’ best landing spot, emphasizing the fit between his playing style and the team’s current strengths. Kimes remarked,
“Pittsburgh is my favorite destination for him,”
explaining that the team maintains a competitive roster, especially on defense, which could present a more open field for Willis to exploit.
She further elaborated,
“He’s obviously got a cannon. He’s an incredible dual-threat quarterback. I think he is best with a strong run game, which he will add to so that he can get one-on-ones on the outside. By the way, they’ve got a guy named DK Metcalf, who’s an amazing perimeter threat. It just, to me, blends perfectly with his skill set.”
This blend of talents suggests a promising synergy between Willis and the Steelers’ offensive components.
Malik Willis’ Career So Far and Recent Improvement in Green Bay
Willis entered the NFL as a third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022. Over two seasons with Tennessee, he appeared in 11 games, starting three, but struggled with production, completing only 350 passing yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. This led to his trade to the Green Bay Packers in 2023.
In Green Bay, Willis showed noticeable growth. Although serving mostly as a backup, he played in 11 games with three starts, significantly improving his stats to 972 passing yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Notably, Willis impressed during his starts while filling in for an injured Jordan Love in the 2025 season.
Free Agency Looms with High Expectations and Risks
Entering free agency, Willis is poised to attract attention from teams seeking quarterback talent, particularly because the 2026 free agent quarterback market looks shallow. Despite his physical tools and recent performance upswing, Willis represents a risk due to limited consistent starting experience at a high level.
The Steelers hold some key assets, such as wide receiver DK Metcalf, which could support Willis’ style if given the opportunity. However, their offense overall is not without flaws, raising questions about whether Willis can replicate or enhance the progress he demonstrated in Green Bay.
Rodgers’ Decision Could Shape Steelers’ Quarterback Future
The Steelers’ quarterback strategy largely depends on Aaron Rodgers’ choice about continuing his career. The team’s preference appears to be re-signing Rodgers, but if he decides to retire, Malik Willis could emerge as the leading candidate to lead the offense.
Willis’ success will depend on harnessing his athletic potential and refining his game under McCarthy’s guidance. Given Mike McCarthy’s strong track record in quarterback development, there is cautious optimism that Willis could become a valuable asset for Pittsburgh’s future.
MALIK WILLIS DIME FOR 6
GBvsCHI on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/QXgtjLv5cT
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025
