The 2026 NFL offseason promises plenty of intrigue at quarterback, but few players are generating as much buzz as Malik Willis. After a roller-coaster start to his career, Willis is set to hit free agency with just six career starts — but flashes of brilliance in Green Bay have teams intrigued.
"He’s a lottery ticket," an NFL executive told sources. "A few good showings in the NFL can make you more valuable than a draft prospect."
From JaMarcus Russell to Lamar Jackson
Willis’ NFL journey has been a tale of extremes. Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans out of Liberty, he struggled under a poor supporting cast, finishing 0-3 in his starts with a 39.0 passer rating. His rookie campaign mirrored the struggles of other highly touted but raw talents, like JaMarcus Russell.
A trade to the Green Bay Packers in 2024 for a seventh-round pick gave Willis a fresh start. Thrust into action due to an injury to Jordan Love, he led Green Bay to back-to-back wins while completing 79% of his passes in just 89 attempts — a completion rate matching some of the best short-term stats in Aaron Rodgers’ career.
Small Sample, Big Potential
Willis’ limited time in Green Bay showcased a dual-threat upside reminiscent of Lamar Jackson:
| Team | W-L | Comp % | Pass YPG | TD-INT | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titans | 0-3 | 51% | 78.0 | 0-3 | 39.0 |
| Packers | 2-1 | 80% | 204.0 | 3-0 | 132.4 |
On a projected 17-game pace, Willis’ Green Bay numbers translate to:
- 3,473 passing yards
- 986 rushing yards
- 34 total touchdowns
- Only 5 turnovers
He also led all NFL quarterbacks in yards per attempt (11.3) and yards per rush (8.3) over the past two seasons (minimum 20 attempts). In Week 17 vs. Baltimore, he became the first QB since Michael Vick (2002) to post 100 pass yards, a pass TD, a rush TD, and zero incompletions in a first half.
The Green Bay Effect
Willis’ transformation can be credited to his surroundings. The Packers offered:
- An elite offensive line
- Play caller Matt LaFleur, who tailored the offense to Willis’ strengths
- Top-tier supporting cast, unlike the Titans’ struggling unit
LaFleur deployed motion, option plays, and shotgun formations at rates unmatched in the league during Willis’ starts, maximizing his dual-threat capabilities. The contrast between the Titans and Packers highlights how much environment and coaching impact a young quarterback’s development.
The 2026 Free-Agent Market
With few appealing quarterbacks available via free agency, trade, or draft, Willis could see high demand and a lucrative contract despite limited starts. Teams may view him as a high-upside “lottery ticket” who has already flashed the talent to lead an offense in the right system.
The big question: Which team will bet on the upside of Malik Willis in 2026?