Best destinations for Malik Willis
By: Jake Rajala
The former Tennessee Titans quarterback, Malik Willis, proved that he deserves to be a starter when he stepped in for the injured Jordan Love this season. He had five combined touchdowns and zero interceptions. With that said, he is a 2026 free agent, so I’m going to unfold the best free agent destinations for Malik Willis.
Indianapolis Colts
I believe the Colts will lose Daniel Jones in free agency, to a team like Minnesota, who has the pieces to “win now”. I’d like to see Willis join Indy and compete against Anthony Richardson for the keys to the QB1 spot. Willis can really shine in the read option and RPO game with Jonathan Taylor in the backfield. I’d like to see them draft another QB on Day 1 or Day 2, to compete against the other young QBs.
Miami Dolphins
If PFF believes the Dolphins are the best fit for Willis, then they may be on to something. I expect Tua to follow Mike McDaniel out the door. Willis still has a couple of impressive weapons with Tyreek Hill Jaylen Waddle. The Phins need to improve their QB1 spot, as they play the AFC Champions (Patriots) and Josh Allen (2024 MVP) twice a season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Willis can learn behind the GOAT (Aaron Rodgers) for a season. Then Willis can step in and make plays with DK Metcalf, Darnell Washington, and Jaylen Warren. The Steelers backup QB Mason Rudolph has failed to prove he deserves to be a QB1 around the league. He would also not be the best QB in a cage fight.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs must realize that they need a quality QB2, after Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and Gardner Minshew stepped in. He played poorly and then he got hurt! Let it also be known that he will be a free agent. They could also do trick plays a QB sneaks with Willis.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints 2025 second round draft pick, Tyler Shough, may win OROY this season, but he has had injury issues in the past. He was hurt numerous times in college. His backup Spencer Rattler only has one career win. Taysom Hill will also likely retire or play elsewhere. Willis can be the QB2 and do some “Taysom Hill packages”.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders will most likely draft Fernando Mendoza with their first overall pick. It’s still unclear how he will adjust to the pro level in year one. Willis could be a step ahead. At least we know that the Geno Smith experiment has failed. Willis could also bring back some memories of Terrelle Pryor.
Green Bay Packers
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Sure, Jordan Love will be the answer at QB1 for the Packers. Still, Love can be an elite backup QB, if he doesn’t want to push for the starting gig somewhere else in the NFL. Willis has chemistry with Matt LaFleur and he has modest weapons there, as well.
Denver Broncos
In the AFC Championship contest, the Broncos QB2 Jarrett Stidham looked like he was throwing the game away to help the Pats reach the Super Bowl. The Broncos need to upgrade their backup QB spot. They also play in arguably the best NFL division, so they need to be properly prepared for “every” game.
Cincinnati Bengals
I would be worried about Joe Burrow’s interest in playing for the Bengals, or anywhere long-term. He could pull an Andrew Luck and retire in his prime. If Burrow leaves in 1-2 seasons, then they could be in big trouble. They may struggle to land the right QB in the draft. Willis could be the answer waiting to replace Burrow.
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