Malik Willis, the free-agent quarterback, is likely to secure a substantial contract in the upcoming NFL free agency period, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 2022 third-round pick has attracted significant interest across the league, with some experts considering a $30 million yearly deal for him all but certain.
Willis appeared in 11 games over two seasons with the Green Bay Packers, starting three times. His recent performances have marked a clear improvement compared to his earlier stint with the Tennessee Titans, raising his profile for teams seeking quarterback options.
Quarterback Market Remains Thin Ahead of Draft and Free Agency
Willis completed 972 passing yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions while substituting for Jordan Love, showcasing promising potential despite limited starting experience. At 26 years old, he stands in a favorable position given the scarcity of quarterback talent available through free agency and the draft.
Alongside Daniel Jones, who is recovering from a major Achilles injury, Willis is regarded as one of the two top quarterback prospects available. Although Kirk Cousins is slated for release by the Atlanta Falcons, this move is not expected to significantly alter the quarterback market dynamics.
Among draft prospects, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (ranked No. 4) and Alabama’s Ty Simpson (No. 28) are the only quarterbacks appearing in Bleacher Report’s top 50 players for the 2026 draft, underscoring the limited depth at the position.
Potential Contract Terms and Market Implications
Teams in search of quarterback reinforcements will need to accept significant risk when signing any of the available players. Although a $30 million annual contract for Willis may seem steep, this figure would place him 20th among NFL quarterbacks in 2026 salaries. Most competitors earning less than Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield, who makes $33.3 million per year, are either on rookie contracts or designated backups.
The structure of Willis’s deal, including guaranteed money and contract duration, will play a crucial role in managing the risk for the signing team. His coming contract represents a substantial raise from prior deals but may involve provisions to protect the franchise.
#Packers free agent QB Malik Willis is in demand, as expected, and interested teams I’ve spoken to at the Combine in Indianapolis believe him getting at least $30M per year is a foregone conclusion. pic.twitter.com/FzB8GaaNPw
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 25, 2026
