Malik Willis entered the 2026 offseason as a lesser-known figure on the Green Bay Packers roster, positioned behind the established starting quarterback, Jordan Love. Over the course of the free-agent period, Willis has drawn considerable attention as a highly promising player. His development has sparked debates about his potential compared to Love, especially among NFL analysts.
Expert Opinions Highlight Willis’s Exceptional Skills and Growth
On a recent episode of The Dan Patrick Show, NBC analyst Chris Simms praised Willis’s abilities, calling him “a superstar” and “the crowning gem” among available free agents. Simms pointed to Willis’s unique combination of arm strength, mobility, and football intelligence as evidence of his special talent. He emphasized Willis’s capability to run an offense effectively and make decisive plays, applauding his narrative as more than just a backup.
Performance Highlights Demonstrate Willis’s Composure and Efficiency
Willis showcased his potential late in the 2025 season when Jordan Love was sidelined with an injury. Over Weeks 16 and 17, Willis completed 85.7% of his passes in starts against the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens, managing to avoid turnovers despite the team losses. His play displayed calmness under pressure, accurate decision-making, and a strong willingness to push the ball forward without reckless risk-taking. In his final game appearance, Willis earned an 89 score with a B+ grade on Pro Football Simulator Network’s quarterback index.
Statistical Summary Underscores Willis’s Development Within Packers System
During four appearances in the 2025 season, Willis recorded a 145.5 passer rating, amassing 422 passing yards and three touchdowns without throwing interceptions. His contributions over two seasons in Matt LaFleur’s offense include 972 passing yards, 261 rushing yards, and a total of nine touchdowns, reflecting his dual-threat capability and growth as a playmaker.
Comparison With Jordan Love Sparks Discussion on Future Potential
Chris Simms’s most notable assessment went beyond simply labeling Willis a future star — he suggested Willis’s upside might exceed that of current starter Jordan Love.
“It’s closer than I ever thought it would be,”
Simms admitted. Though a fan of Love, he stated,
“I’m not going to say he’s better than Jordan Love right now. I will say he shows more potential to be a greater player than Jordan Love.”
He also indicated that further observation is necessary before reaching a final conclusion.
Context Behind the Packers’ Quarterback Situation
This view is striking given Jordan Love’s recent success in leading the Green Bay Packers to a 9-7 record and second place in the NFC North. The team encountered significant injury challenges throughout the season, which many believe affected their chances in the postseason. The uncertainty surrounding Love’s health and longevity combined with Willis’s promising flashes adds complexity to the Packers’ quarterback outlook going forward.
Implications for the Packers and NFL Free Agency
Willis’s escalating profile during free agency could impact the Packers’ roster decisions and motivate other teams to pursue him aggressively. The debate over whether Willis’s potential ultimately surpasses Jordan Love’s reflects broader considerations of talent development and opportunity in the league. How Green Bay manages this situation may influence their competitiveness in upcoming seasons, as Malik Willis’s trajectory remains a key storyline to watch.
"I think Malik Willis is a superstar."
– @CSimmsQB gives his thoughts on the impending free agent QB. pic.twitter.com/DMCDwqD1JL
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) February 12, 2026
