We know Malik Willis won't be representing the Green Bay Packers in 2026, but where will he end up? That's the expensive question the talented young quarterback faces, though NBC Sports' Matthew Berry believes a leader of the pack has emerged: the Arizona Cardinals.
The Miami Dolphins, led by former Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, were the early frontrunners for Willis. However, the Cardinals swooped in and have ostensibly crashed the party. This aligns with what Berry heard at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
"Said one source to me 'Malik Willis to Arizona for $30 [million annually] – mark it,'" Berry stated. "We will see if that number ends up being right – I know ESPN's Jeremy Fowler specifically wrote that he sees Willis more in the Justin Fields last year $20M/yr range. So we will see on the money. But I do think Arizona should be the betting favorite to land Willis."
Matthew Berry justifies Malik Willis-Cardinals free agency buzz
Berry does clarify that he isn't reporting anything and it's just "gossip, rumors, and reasonably-informed speculation" he heard at the combine, but it's noteworthy nonetheless, especially given how confident his source was.
Arizona is a solid setup for Willis. The Cardinals hired Matt LaFleur's brother, Mike, as their new head coach, who also worked for McVay. Moreover, they have a quietly good supporting cast, headlined by All-Pro tight end Trey McBride and standout wide receivers Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Strong ties to the Packers organization appear to be a preference for Willis, and understandably so. He looked incredibly comfortable in head coach Matt LaFleur's system and would like to continue operating as such. That's why the Cardinals and Dolphins are obvious fits, though it's also led to chatter about the Minnesota Vikings, which Berry debunked.
Berry is of the opinion that "Minnesota [isn't] in play" for Willis. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell comes from the Sean McVay tree, like LaFleur, and is a known quarterback whisperer. So, it's easy to see why there would be interest in joining Green Bay's NFC North rival, yet recent intel indicates that won't happen.
Meanwhile, despite well-chronicled connections to Willis, Berry doesn't see Miami as a viable landing spot. The "cash-strapped" Dolphins don't figure to have the ammunition to win what should be a costly bidding over the 26-year-old.
By process of elimination, that leaves the Cardinals as the last team standing in the Willis sweepstakes. Their general manager, Monti Ossenfort, is firmly on the hot seat, which is a notable driving factor. Berry reasonably suggests Arizona is "better off overpaying the best available free agent QB this year to try and win" instead of drafting one.