Everyone knows that Malik Willis' time with the Green Bay Packers is, and has effectively been, over since the club's Wild Card playoff exit. Heck, their impending parting of ways has felt inevitable since they joined forces two summers ago; this was conceivably a short-term marriage from the jump.
Well, the moment is upon us. Rival squads with ties to the Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur are ostensibly gearing up for a bidding war. They're reportedly prepared to give Willis, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, good money to be their starting quarterback.
Green Bay has made peace with Willis' imminent departure. At this point, it's all about securing the best compensatory pick possible. So, recent intel NFL insider Jordan Schultz gathered at the annual Scouting Combine in Indianapolis should have a nice ring to it.
Per Schultz, Willis earning "at least $30 million per year [this offseason] is a foregone conclusion."
Latest Malik Willis free agency update is music to the Packers' ears
The news from Schultz aligns with other projections, sort of validating the lofty appraisals. However, more importantly for the Packers, a payday of that magnitude likely fetches them a third-round comp selection — talk about an incredible return on investment.
All it took to acquire Willis from the Tennessee Titans in August 2024 was a seventh-rounder. That didn't amount to much either, considering the Titans later used it to dump veteran linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr.'s salary. Fast forward 18 months, and the Packers are suddenly in position to take home a high-quality asset.
Not only are the Packers about to significantly profit from losing Willis, but they got to have their cake and eat it too. He proved to be a difference-maker when they needed him to fill in for franchise signal-caller Jordan Love, who's faced his fair share of injuries. And apparently, to Green Bay's delight, front offices around the league took notice.
It goes without saying that Willis will have a robust market as the top option available at football's most important position. He's been incredibly efficient and productive despite throwing just 89 passes over the past two campaigns with Green Bay. Yet, by the sound of it, his experience (or lack thereof) won't be a deterrent for anyone interested in signing him.