All signs point to the Green Bay Packers not bringing back quarterback Malik Willis, who is expected to have a strong market when he hits free agency next month.
Greg Rosenthal of NFL.com even ranks him No. 1 among the 101 free agents in 2026, further proving that Willis is unlikely to return to Green Bay, where he will continue to back up Jordan Love.
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“I think he’s the most dynamic running quarterback in football, and he showed incredible growth as a passer in his two years in Green Bay with Matt LaFleur,” Rosenthal wrote. “Despite Willis’s limited sample size, he jumped to the top of this ranking based on the same logic as the NFL Draft: If a potential franchise quarterback is good enough to be ranked in the top five of a list like this, he should be ranked No. 1 by virtue of the position. The ceiling is the roof.”
The Packers acquired Willis from the Tennessee Titans with a seventh-round pick before the 2025 season. A former third-round pick, Willis developed into one of the league’s most effective backup quarterbacks during his two seasons in Green Bay.
In 11 games with the Packers, Willis posted a 2-1 record as a starter, completing 78.7 percent of his passes for 972 yards with six touchdown passes and no interceptions. He also showed an impressive ability to manipulate the pocket and use his feet to catch yards, rushing for 261 yards on 41 carries (6.2 average) and three rushing touchdowns.
Willis is the headliner of a free-agent quarterback class that includes Daniel Jones and Aaron Rodgers. Willis, 26, is the youngest of the three and is entering the prime years of his career, ready to prove himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Teams could view him as the guy with the most upside given his age, arm talent and athleticism.
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Notable Packers free agents Rasheed Walker, Romeo Dubs and Quay Walker are also on Rosenthal’s list. Rasheed Walker is ranked 22nd, Romeo Doubs is ranked 28th, and linebacker Quay Walker is ranked 44th.
Green Bay faces tough decisions on all four players as they look to improve their roster this offseason and maximize their current Super Bowl window.
NFL free agency will officially begin on March 11 at 3:00 pm Central Time.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers quarterback Malik Willis tops NFL.com’s 2026 free agent list
