The Green Bay Packers are facing a challenging offseason after losing several key figures, including their defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who departed to lead the Miami Dolphins. Adding to the uncertainty, the Packers are expected to lose valuable players during NFL free agency, with backup quarterback Malik Willis among the most notable departures. NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal released his annual ranking of the top 101 free agents, placing Malik Willis at the very top over the widely acknowledged top free agent, Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens. This ranking highlights Willis as the premier free agent available in 2026.
Why Malik Willis Emerges as the Top NFL Free Agent
Willis’s rise to the top of the free-agent list reflects his significant development as a quarterback during his time with the Packers. Rosenthal explained the decision by noting Willis’s dual-threat ability and his promising progression under head coach Matt LaFleur’s system. Willis, regarded as a dynamic runner and an improving passer, has made a strong case despite a limited body of work. Rosenthal said,
“I see him as the most dynamic quarterback in football as a runner, and his tape in Green Bay showed incredible growth as a passer over his two years with Matt LaFleur. Despite his limited sample size, Willis jumped to the top spot of this ranking based on the same logic that applies to the NFL draft: If a potential franchise quarterback is good enough to be ranked in the top five of a list like this, then he should be placed first, by virtue of the position. The ceiling is the roof.”
Career Revival and On-Field Performance
Willis has rejuvenated his career since being traded to the Packers in 2024, compiling 972 passing yards alongside six touchdowns without throwing any interceptions across two seasons as a backup. His performance notably improved during the 2025 season when starting quarterback Jordan Love suffered multiple injuries, leading Willis to take on a larger role. At 26 years old, Willis has positioned himself as a strong candidate to secure a substantial contract in the upcoming free agency period.
Potential Contract Value and Comparisons
The financial prospects for Willis’s next contract have sparked considerable debate. ESPN analyst Ben Solak compared Willis’s free agency outlook to that of Brock Osweiler, who in 2016 signed a lucrative four-year, $72 million deal with the Houston Texans despite limited starting experience. Solak emphasized Willis’s newfound demand, stating,
“Willis is no longer a sleeper signing,”
and added,
“His services will be hotly sought after by teams looking for a still-young gamble at a franchise quarterback. But just how hotly? It’s hard to find a historical proxy for ‘highly valued free agent with six career starts at quarterback.’”
This comparison suggests Willis could command a significant salary, reflecting his perceived potential as a franchise quarterback.
Future Prospects and Team Interest
As free agency approaches, speculation surrounds where Willis might continue his career. There is a possibility he could reunite with Jeff Hafley in Miami, where the Dolphins seek to strengthen their quarterback position. The Packers, meanwhile, will need to prepare for the departure of both key coaching staff and emerging players like Willis, marking a significant transition period for the franchise.
