Malik Willis is a better quarterback option than your favorite team’s starter. That statement likely elicits an eyebrow raise for many fans.
However, for many teams, that statement isn’t as outlandish as one might think. The NFL has been frequently referred to as the “Not For Long” league. 2025 is no different, with several teams experimenting with new options after benching their starting passer.
Meanwhile, Willis has successfully stepped in to replace Packers’ starter Jordan Love multiple times over the last two seasons.
Most recently, Willis replaced an injured Love in a Week 16 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears. The former Liberty University Quarterback shined in his role, completing nine of 11 passes, for 121 yards and a touchdown.
Willis has posted an incredible 684 yards, five touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 76.5 completion percentage in 10 appearances for the Packers. Green Bay’s offense hasn’t skipped a beat when Willis has been thrust into the lineup.
Successful Developmental Project
Willis entered the league as a highly touted draft prospect ranked by some as one of the top two QBs in the 2022 draft class. Ultimately, Willis fell to the third round, where he was selected by the Tennessee Titans.
The Packers traded for Willis before the 2024 season after he had attempted just 66 passes in two years on Tennessee’s roster. He would end up making his first start for the Packers within his first three weeks on the team.
The Packers have a reputation for developing quarterbacks. It is easy to point to the traditional Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers to Love progression as an example. However, Green Bay has created opportunities for several backups, such as Matt Hasselbeck, Matt Flynn, and Mark Brunell, to progress into starters in the NFL. Packers’ Head Coach Matt LaFleur has proven to be one of the best offensive minds in football, and Willis’ resurgence only further supports that.
Malik Willis’ NFL Future
Green Bay would be wise to extend Willis’ contract as soon as possible. However, they may face significant competition to re-sign him for the 2026 season. The Packers have benefited greatly from his presence, and the rest of the league has noticed.
As many as 12 teams are projected to explore the quarterback market in 2026. Many of those teams can offer a more direct route to meaningful snaps than Green Bay can with Love established as the team’s starter.
Willis has earned another opportunity to be a starter in the NFL. It is unclear whether there is a direct route for that to occur. The 2026 offseason will see Willis as a top offseason acquisition, or at the very least, a prominent trade target for QB-needy teams if he is retained by the Packers.
One thing is for certain, though: Willis is among the most capable backup quarterbacks in football.
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