Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis — who may have to start on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens — will likely be an attractive free agent option for quarterback-needy NFL teams this offseason.
Per Dan Graziano of ESPN, “several” teams have their eyes on Willis as a “potential solution” at quarterback in free agency.
Willis has an expiring rookie deal. A big payday and a chance to compete to start would be impossible for the Packers to match in free agency.
“The Packers like him a lot and could try to keep him, but if he has a chance to go somewhere else and compete for a starting job, that might be tough to do,” wrote Graziano.
Willis has played in 10 games and made two starts for the Packers since being traded to Green Bay before the 2024 season. Developed by Matt LaFleur and operating in one of the NFL’s most stable offenses, Willis has completed 76.5 percent of his passes, averaged 10.1 yards per attempt and thrown five touchdown passes and zero interceptions — good for a passer rating of 132.2. He’s also rushed for 201 yards and a score.
While unconventional as a dual-threat quarterback who doesn’t profile as a traditional dropback passer, Willis has shown an ability to operate within the confines of a run-heavy offense while also creating plays with his legs and athleticism.
Early in 2024, Willis helped the Packers to wins over the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans during back-to-back games while Jordan Love nursed a knee injury. Later in the season, he entered games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears and either led the Packers to a win or had the team in position to win late. This season, Willis threw a touchdown pass over a series while Love had his shoulder examined, and he completed 9 of 11 passes with a touchdown and rushed for 44 yards after replacing Love, who exited with a concussion, on Saturday night in Chicago.
Willis could play again this week. He missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness and is dealing with a right shoulder injury, but Love remains in the concussion protocol as of Wednesday.
Another strong performance against the Ravens would only increase his value on the market this spring.
While having Willis has been a great luxury for the Packers over the last two seasons, general manager Brian Gutekunst will likely have to go hunting for the next backup quarterback this offseason while gaining a 2027 compensatory pick for Willis in free agency.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Several teams interested Packers QB Malik Willis as upcoming free agent
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
