The Arizona Cardinals have quickly become linked to free-agent quarterback Malik Willis as they seek a new starter for the coming seasons. This interest surfaced even before the 2025 NFL season concluded, and has intensified in the offseason following NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal naming Willis the top free agent available in 2026. With Kyler Murray seemingly headed elsewhere, the Cardinals face pressure to find a dependable quarterback, making Malik Willis a key candidate under consideration.
However, opinions differ on whether Willis represents a breakthrough solution or a gamble for the franchise’s quarterback position.
Connections and Familiarity Could Favor Willis
One notable advantage for Malik Willis joining the Cardinals is his existing ties within the organization. Willis worked under Matt LaFleur, brother of Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, during his two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He also has experience with Arizona’s new offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, who served as a defensive analyst with Green Bay in 2025.
These relationships could smooth Willis’s adaptation to Arizona’s offensive schemes, as Hackett is likely well-versed in how Mike LaFleur intends to run the offense. Additionally, Willis shares history with Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort from their time in Tennessee. Ossenfort, who was the Titans’ director of player personnel, was involved in drafting Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
“I don’t want to get into evaluations of specific players. Malik did a great job when he went in there for Green Bay this year,”
Ossenfort said at the NFL Draft Combine.
“I was with Malik for a short time there in Tennessee. He had a great college career coming out. He’s one of the quarterbacks that’s available and we’ll evaluate all our options, whether it’s free agency, the draft … we’ll be prepared to do what’s best for the team.”
– Monti Ossenfort, Cardinals GM
Strong Recent Performance Highlights Potential
Willis’s recent NFL performance, especially with the Packers, has demonstrated marked improvement after a rocky start in Tennessee. Over 11 games in the 2024-25 seasons (including three starts), he completed nearly 79% of his passes for 972 yards and six touchdowns without throwing an interception, while rushing for 261 yards and three touchdowns on 42 carries. This contrasts sharply with his earlier 11-game stint with the Titans from 2022-23, where he managed only a 53% completion rate with 350 yards and three interceptions.
His late 2025 season was particularly impressive. Taking over mid-game for an injured Jordan Love in Week 16 against the Chicago Bears, Willis completed nine of 11 passes for 121 yards and one touchdown, adding 44 rushing yards. Starting the next week, he threw for 288 yards and one touchdown with an 85.7% completion rate against the Baltimore Ravens while rushing for two scores.
Accumulated Experience Sets Willis Apart from Rookies
Unlike incoming rookie quarterbacks who must adjust quickly while gaining experience, Malik Willis brings four NFL seasons’ worth of game reps to the table. This experience could be invaluable for the Cardinals as they look to swiftly end their rebuilding phase. GM Monti Ossenfort, not given to patience after a 15-36 record in three seasons, is likely seeking immediate improvements following the dismissal of former head coach Jonathan Gannon. Willis’s professional exposure might offer a more reliable option than an unproven rookie signal-caller.
Concerns Over Limited Sample Size and Consistency
Despite the promising flashes, Willis’s overall track record still leaves room for doubt. His NFL experience consists of two separate 11-game runs with different teams, showing highly variable results. Observers wonder if Willis’s next 11 games with a third franchise will resemble his success in Green Bay or his struggles in Tennessee. The quality of the surrounding lineup and coaching environment in Arizona will also influence his chances for sustained success.
Financial Impact Could Strain Team Resources
If the Cardinals opt to sign Willis, they might face a substantial financial commitment. Free-agent quarterback contracts often exceed rookie scale salary benefits, potentially costing $30 million to $35 million annually according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Combined with the possible salary cap consequences of releasing Kyler Murray, the Cardinals could find it challenging to allocate resources to strengthen other critical roster spots.
Opportunity Cost Raises Strategic Questions
Investing heavily in Willis as a veteran quarterback may also hinder Arizona’s flexibility in pursuing young quarterback prospects. Should the team commit to Willis long-term, it might forego drafting highly rated signal-callers in upcoming NFL Drafts, locking themselves out of cheaper, potentially higher-ceiling options. This poses a strategic dilemma given the team’s urgent need to improve while managing financial constraints.
Future Decisions Will Shape Cardinals’ Direction
The Cardinals’ potential acquisition of Malik Willis reflects an urgent search for stability and effectiveness at the quarterback position. His familiarity with key members of the organization and recent performance upswing provide a promising foundation, yet concerns around consistency, contract costs, and missed rookie opportunities complicate the picture. As Arizona navigates this pivotal offseason, decisions made will likely impact the franchise’s competitiveness for years ahead, shaping whether Willis becomes a transformative leader or a cautionary gamble.
