Malik Willis is poised to sign a significant contract this NFL offseason, with plans for him to become a starting quarterback earning a salary of at least $30 million. The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly preparing this offer as they aim to secure Willis as a key player in their quarterback roster.
Willis, who was initially selected in the third round by the Tennessee Titans, has gradually rebuilt his reputation while serving as a backup for the Green Bay Packers. Though his playing time has been limited over the past two seasons, he has accumulated 972 passing yards, 261 rushing yards, and nine total touchdowns under coach Matt LaFleur’s system.
Arizona Cardinals’ Free Agency Plans for Willis
Now an unrestricted free agent, Malik Willis has the opportunity to claim a starting quarterback position elsewhere, with the NFC West—and specifically the Arizona Cardinals—emerging as the likely destination. Matthew Berry has indicated that the Cardinals are preparing a contract offer that includes a base salary reaching $30 million annually.
Malik Willis is getting at least 30 million dollars and is going to be the starting quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals,
Berry said.
This information is consistent with reports from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who shared insights from the Indianapolis Combine regarding teams’ high interest in Willis.
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,
Schultz said.
Potential for Malik Willis to Become a Breakout Star
Willis appears to be joining a growing list of quarterbacks who have revitalized their NFL careers after initial struggles, including Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Experts suggest Willis has the physical abilities and skill set necessary to emerge as a standout player this upcoming season.
Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms expressed confidence in Willis’s potential, anticipating a significant impact.
I think Malik Willis is a superstar,
Simms said.
I would think he’s the crowning gem of guys that will be out there as far as free agents. … He’s got a special arm, he’s got special mobility, he knows how to run the offense.
Willis’s combination of arm talent and athleticism marks him as a possible game changer, though his future success will hinge on how well he capitalizes on the chances ahead, building on what he showed with the Packers.
Implications of Willis’s Contract on NFL Landscape
Securing Willis with a $30 million starting salary signals the Cardinals’ commitment to rebuilding their quarterback position with promising young talent. If Willis can fulfill expectations, he could inject new energy into the team’s offensive strategy and influence NFC West dynamics.
As the offseason unfolds, this deal could set a precedent for the valuation of emerging quarterbacks transitioning from backup roles to franchise leaders, potentially shaping free agency negotiations and team-building approaches across the league.
.@MatthewBerryTMR on a rumor he heard at the NFL Combine:
"Malik Willis is getting at least 30 million dollars and is going to be the starting quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals." pic.twitter.com/AQqXMs6lKY
— SleeperCardinals (@SleeperAZCards) February 28, 2026
"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
