There's a legitimate argument to be had for Malik Willis being a top-32 quarterback in the NFL right now. Yet, he finds himself relegated to reserve duties, a role he's excelled in upon landing with the Green Bay Packers.
Willis has built a strong résumé during his time in Green Bay and proven capable of commanding a huddle. He's also only just entering his prime at 26 years old. His upward trajectory and age are appealing for QB-needy teams, and we know there are a bunch of those.
Moreover, Willis is slated for unrestricted free agency this coming offseason. Supply and demand will make him a hot commodity, so Packers supporters should relish their time with the 2022 third-round pick while they still can.
Packers fans should soak up Malik Willis' emergence while they still can
Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel estimates that Willis will make around $5-8 million in free agency, which the Packers may find challenging to match.
Tennessee Titans fans will quickly point out that Willis didn't elevate his game until arriving in Green Bay following a forgettable two-year stint representing them. Doubters have used this to claim that this progression is a product of being in a better environment and having a much stronger supporting cast.
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Nevertheless, everything we've seen from Willis with the Packers suggests he's a starting-caliber signal-caller, which the numbers bear out. Across eight appearances since 2024, he's completed 75 percent of his attempts for 556 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception. His dazzling 129.8 passer rating (league average is 92.7, for context) is accompanied by a dual-threat that shines, yielding a healthy 7.3 yards per carry.
Every time Green Bay has called on him, Willis has stepped up to the plate and delivered. The former Liberty standout has gone 2-0 when called up to get the nod in place of franchise centerpiece Jordan Love. But perhaps most importantly, he's come in on a moment's notice and propelled the Packers to triumph -- on multiple occasions.
Without Willis' readiness to relieve Love midgame, who's been prone to injury since entering the pros, the Packers may have a couple fewer victories. He came off the bench to lead a game-winning drive against the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. More recently, his lone series in Green Bay's Week 11 proved to be the difference in their 27-20 defeat of the New York Giants.
But with the end of his contract looming, there's a good chance the Packers will lose him in the offseason.