CLEVELAND, Ohio — With NFL free agency less than a month away, discussions around Malik Willis as the potential new quarterback for the Cleveland Browns are intensifying. Willis, who recently played as a backup for the Green Bay Packers, has sparked talk on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, where Cleveland Browns reporters Mary Kay Cabot and Ashley Bastock, alongside host Dan Labbe, examined his fit within the team and head coach Todd Monken’s system.
The former Liberty University standout’s ability as a mobile, dual-threat quarterback is seen as a potential asset for the Browns’ offense, especially given Monken’s known preference for quarterbacks who can make plays both through the air and on the ground. However, questions remain about whether Cleveland will actively pursue Willis and how realistic that option is amid competition from other NFL teams.
Willis’ Playing Style Aligns With Todd Monken’s Offensive Strategy
Mary Kay Cabot emphasized on the podcast that Malik Willis’ style has similarities to Lamar Jackson’s, describing the quarterback as fitting the type of dual-threat playmaker Monken values.
“I certainly would be tossing my hat into the ring for Malik Willis because we know that Todd Monken likes a dual threat quarterback, and Malik Willis fits the bill,”
Cabot said.
“He’s someone very much like Lamar Jackson. He’s in that mold. Not at that level, but in that mold. And so you know that Todd Monken would do a really nice job on coaching Malik Willis.”
This endorsement highlights the potential synergy between Willis’ athletic profile and the offensive system Monken could deploy, emphasizing the appeal of a dynamic quarterback to spark Cleveland’s offense.
Concerns About Willis’ Limited NFL Experience Remain
Despite enthusiasm for Willis’ skills, the podcast hosts also pointed out the risks connected to his relatively scarce NFL track record. Dan Labbe noted the small sample size of Willis’ playing time in the league, cautioning listeners not to expect immediate stardom based on limited evidence.
“I’m just a little surprised at how quickly people are just jumping to this conclusion that he’s going to be like a guy if he gets that opportunity because there just isn’t a very big sample size,”
Labbe said.
“He’s had two games in his whole career where he’s thrown more than 20 passes and eight games in his career where he’s thrown more than 10 passes. So there is risk in bringing in Malik Willis.”
The limited action raises questions about Willis’ ability to adapt quickly to starting quarterback responsibilities and to consistently perform at the NFL level.
Financial and Competitive Challenges in Signing Willis
The financial commitment required to acquire Malik Willis could be substantial, with comparisons made to the two-year, $40 million contract Justin Fields received from the New York Jets, including $30 million guaranteed. Such a deal would signal the Browns’ intention to commit to Willis as a starting quarterback, at least in the near term.
Ashley Bastock highlighted the competitive market for quarterbacks like Willis, noting the challenges Cleveland could face in both contract negotiations and roster priority.
“In a year where there’s just not going to be a lot of these guys available, the financial part of this, I think is going to be significant because there’s teams that are just going to be in a better position to pay him better, and teams that really need somebody maybe a bit more than the Browns do,”
Bastock explained.
Cabot also mentioned that the Miami Dolphins might currently have the advantage in securing Willis, which further complicates the Browns’ chances.
Implications for the Browns’ Quarterback Landscape
Signing Malik Willis would represent a major shift in Cleveland’s quarterback situation, potentially affecting established players like Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders by pushing them further down the depth chart. The move would be a bold gamble on a young player with considerable upside but minimal professional experience.
With the NFL Combine scheduled for late February, the Browns’ management team, led by General Manager Andrew Berry, will continue to evaluate all their options before free agency begins. This period will be critical in determining how the Browns address the pressing question of their future at quarterback.
Ongoing Analysis and Fan Engagement
The full conversation about Malik Willis and other quarterback possibilities is available on the latest episode of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, providing fans and analysts with detailed perspectives on the Browns’ offseason moves.
Ben Solak reveals his TOP 5 free agent fits for this NFL offseason:
1. Malik Willis ➡️ Browns
2. Kyle Pitts ➡️ Giants
3. Boye Mafe ➡️ Bills
4. Jauan Jennings ➡️ Chiefs
5. Alec Pierce ➡️ Patriots@heykayadams | @BenjaminSolak pic.twitter.com/RtTbJv0VwL— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 10, 2026
