Malik Willis best landing spots: where the Green Bay Packers backup could sign next

Malik Willis has quietly become one of the more intriguing quarterbacks to watch when NFL teams start planning beyond 2025. After a raw but promising stretch of relief work in Green Bay, where he backed up Jordan Love, Willis is starting to convince evaluators that he could be more than a gadget option — he might be a legitimate candidate for a starting role elsewhere.

His rise owes as much to improved play under Packers coach Matt LaFleur as it does to natural athleticism and a still-developing arm. For clubs looking for a high-upside, low-cost starter or a tough competition piece in 2026, Willis checks several boxes. Below, we look at three franchises that could realistically kick the tires on him and what each situation would mean for both the player and the team.

Why Malik Willis’ 2025 cameo matters for his 2026 prospects

Willis’ time in Green Bay has reframed how teams view him. After limited opportunities in Tennessee, he landed in a system with clearer play design and stronger coaching, and the results in relief appearances were encouraging. He’s still a developing passer, but scouts and coaches love his mobility and playmaking instincts.

That combination — big physical traits and growing polish — makes him an appealing low-risk, high-reward target for teams that need a bridge starter or an immediate upgrade over an uncertain backup. Here are the qualities that push him into starter conversations:

• Explosiveness outside the pocket that forces defenses to account for him as a runner;
• Improved decision-making when coached in a clear, structured scheme;
• Salary and roster flexibility compared with pricey veteran stopgaps or a top-10 draft pick;
• Room for growth: a coaching staff that believes in development could unlock more consistent passing production.

Cleveland Browns: A fiscally sound gamble for QB depth and upside

How Willis would fit in Cleveland’s roster plans

The Browns have talent on defense and at skill positions, but the franchise has repeatedly shown that quarterback play is the fulcrum for their ceiling. Bringing in Willis would give Cleveland an affordable, high-upside option to compete for the starting job without mortgaging draft capital.

• Why it makes sense: Willis provides athleticism and playmaking that can mask run-blocking deficiencies while the front office rebuilds the O-line.
• What the Browns would get: A dynamic alternate who can move the chains with his legs and occasionally create explosive plays downfield.
• Risk factors: He’s still a developing passer, which means his success might hinge on play-calling tailored to his strengths and protecting him from heavy pressure.

If Willis performs, Cleveland could ride a surprise run and buy time to fix personnel up front. If not, the Browns would still be positioned to draft or acquire a traditional franchise QB in a deep upcoming class without overspending in free agency.

Kansas City Chiefs: A bridge starter while Patrick Mahomes recovers

Could Willis be Kansas City’s Matt Cassel moment?

The Chiefs have championship windows to protect, and when the franchise faces uncertainty at quarterback — whether from injury or inconsistency — the idea of a multi-year, low-cost bridge is attractive. Willis offers athletic traits similar to other mobile quarterbacks who have held down a starter role successfully for a season or two.

• Coaching fit: Andy Reid’s offensive creativity could simplify Willis’ reads and put him in position to succeed.
• Weapons and protection: Kansas City’s receiving corps and offensive design would give Willis targets and schemed advantage, while the club could prioritize line and run-game upgrades in the draft.
• Short-term upside: If Mahomes is sidelined even briefly, Willis could be more than a placeholder — he could keep the offense explosive through improvisation and running lanes.

Ultimately, the Chiefs would be weighing immediate stability against the long-term imperative of protecting their title window. Willis represents a bold, affordable option that could preserve competitiveness without disrupting roster building.

Minnesota Vikings: A developmental foil to J.J. McCarthy and insurance at QB

Competition-driven growth and readiness for injury scenarios

The Vikings are in a position where quarterback continuity matters, but depth has been tested by injuries and inconsistent backup play. Adding Willis would create a competitive environment around J.J. McCarthy — and competition can be a catalyst for growth.

• Benefits for McCarthy: Facing a mobile, high-upside competitor in camp could sharpen his reads and force both quarterbacks to earn the job.
• Coaching precedent: Kevin O’Connell has experience resurrecting careers and tailoring systems to quarterbacks’ strengths, which could accelerate Willis’ development.
• Insurance value: If McCarthy misses time again, the Vikings would have a potential starter in-house rather than relying on short-term stopgaps.

For Minnesota, this isn’t necessarily about handing the keys to Willis — it’s about creating the conditions that produce a reliable starter while protecting the roster from the familiar volatility that comes with young quarterbacks.

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.