The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to have minimal impact at the quarterback position, with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza likely to be the only first-round QB selected. Alabama’s Ty Simpson may also be drafted late in the first round, with some speculation linking him to the Steelers. Due to the scarcity of high-level quarterback talent in the upcoming draft, attention will turn heavily to free agency and trades for quarterback acquisitions.
Malik Willis Emerges as Top Free Agent Quarterback
Among the available options, Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis stands out as the most promising choice in a relatively thin pool. This situation could trigger a competitive bidding war for Willis once he becomes a free agent. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport recently projected Willis’ potential contract value by comparing it to a benchmark set by former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields.
Using Justin Fields’ Contract to Gauge Willis’ Potential Earnings
On NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal, Rapoport questioned,
“If Justin Fields gets 20 [million dollars] a year, what does Malik Willis get?”
He then added,
“Thirty, 35? That’s my guess as to what it is.”
Fields secured a two-year deal worth $20 million annually from the New York Jets after the Steelers chose not to match the offer following the 2024 season.
Comparison of Fields’ and Willis’ NFL Experience and Performance
Justin Fields started nine games with the Jets in 2025, completing 62.7 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and a single interception, while also contributing four rushing touchdowns. Although Fields had demonstrated the ability to manage an NFL offense in Pittsburgh, he did not exhibit overwhelming quarterbacking dominance.
Malik Willis is considered even more of an unknown, having played just six NFL starts—three in his rookie season with the Tennessee Titans in 2022, and only one in 2025—as compared to Fields’ similar experience level in 2024. Despite the limited sample size, Willis made a strong impression during his three starts with the Packers. He completed nearly 79 percent of his passes (70 completions on 89 attempts) for 972 yards and six touchdowns without throwing an interception, adding two rushing touchdowns to his stat line.
Free Agent Options Narrow as Teams Weigh Risks and Rewards
The scarcity of established quarterback alternatives in free agency means that a team is likely to offer Malik Willis a substantial contract, betting on his strong performance with Green Bay as a sign of his potential. If Rapoport’s projected figures prove accurate, the Steelers are expected to pass on Willis, according to reporter Ray Fittipaldo, leaving their plans for the 2026 quarterback position uncertain.
Implications for the NFL Quarterback Landscape in 2026
With limited draft options and a quarterback market spotlight firmly on free agents like Malik Willis, the upcoming offseason may feature significant investments in quarterbacks whose full potential remains to be seen. Willis’ forthcoming contract could set a new benchmark for quarterbacks with limited starting experience, impacting team strategies in both the draft and player acquisitions.
