Despite a heart-crushing loss to the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers saw a lot of potential from pending 2026 free agent quarterback Malik Willis. The Packers weren’t able to reel in a win led by Willis, but he may have won a starting job elsewhere once he becomes available to sign with a new team. Current Packers starter Jordan Love left the matchup with a concussion that sat him out for the rest of the contest. It gave Willis an advantage to showcase himself in front of potential suitors this upcoming offseason, as he still has the arm and footwork to develop into a full-time, adequate starter.
3 Teams That Could Target Top Free Agent Malik Willis After Jordan Love Injury
As of this posting, there hasn’t been an update yet on Love’s condition, but the Packers have yet to secure the final wild-card spot in the NFC. This means if Love is healthy, the Packers will start him over Willis, which isn’t a surprise, as Green Bay wants to solidify their ticket for a postseason run. However, the overtime loss against Chicago showed the potential that Willis has to become a starter with a new team.
Originally selected as a third-round pick, the former Liberty and Auburn product spent the first two seasons with the Tennessee Titans before being traded to Green Bay last year. With the emergence of current Titans starter Cam Ward, the trade made sense since they knew who they wanted as their long-term quarterback. Willis should get a decent opportunity at least to fight for a starting chance, as he posted 120 passing yards and a touchdown while rushing for 40 yards.
Possible Next Teams
Arizona Cardinals
With the expectation of Kyler Murray being cut, the Arizona Cardinals need to rebuild the entire quarterback room. While they’ll likely draft a new potential starter, the Cardinals should sign Willis to give themselves a head start. Arizona has one of the most well-rounded offenses if they find a quarterback and some protection. As long as running back James Conner comes back the same, and with Marvin Harrison Jr. alongside tight end Trey McBride Jr., the Cardinals would be a better team with a quarterback who knows how to win.
The Cardinals have the blueprint, but they’re lacking leadership. Willis has the footwork and can scramble out of the pocket similar to Murray, but he’s a lot younger and hungrier to move this offense. He should be the next starter in this offense if the Cardinals want to see profound success in 2026.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, Bryce Young is the future for Carolina, but no one should be surprised if the Panthers bring in some competition. Just last season, the Panthers benched Young for Andy Dalton, and that could become a situation that may pop up again next year. At 7-7 and battling for a postseason appearance, the Panthers have a powerful defense along with an electric offense led by rookie Tetairoa McMillan and running back Rico Dowdle, but there is still a little bit of inconsistency from Young.
They won’t give up on their starter, but since Dalton is getting too old, they should at least sign Willis on a low-stakes one-year deal.
New York Jets
The New York Jets had hoped that Justin Fields would bring some life, but that hasn’t gone exactly as planned. Brady Cook is getting some looks and has raw skills, but nobody should expect him to become the Jets’ permanent starter. New York may cut Fields and draft a quarterback, but Willis might give the Jets what they need. Willis has similar abilities to Fields, but if the Jets can draft and sign a few pieces on offense, they should be in good shape for a decent run in 2026.
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