Best Landing Spots for Green Bay Packers Backup Malik Willis

Throughout the NFL, many players are getting second chances to become full-time starters. Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and now Daniel Jones are a few of the biggest success stories we’ve seen from guys getting a second chance.

Malik Willis didn’t receive too many opportunities in his short stint in Tennessee and has now gotten the chance to back up Jordan Love in Green Bay. During his tenure in Green Bay, he has shined in his limited game action. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has gotten the most out of Willis when he has relieved Love, and has been far more efficient than he was in his first two seasons in the NFL.

Everyone knew that Willis was a raw prospect who needed time to mature in the NFL, and I think he’s earned the opportunity to start again. Maybe his success has come from the solid supporting cast around him in Green Bay, but I think there are a few teams that could take a flier on him being a starter in 2026.

Cleveland Browns

From what we’ve seen out of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, I don’t think either will be a franchise quarterback long term; however, if you still want them to earn a chance to start next season, Willis would be an interesting quarterback to bring in to compete for QB1.

The Browns desperately need help on the offensive line, and no matter what quarterback they draft in the Spring, they will need a lot of improvement from the guys up front. Bringing in a guy like Willis gives Cleveland a lot of options at the signal caller next season, and it shouldn’t be too expensive an option. If Willis succeeds, the Browns could shock some people with an easy last-place schedule that includes the NFC South. If he doesn’t, the Browns will be in position to draft a QB in a loaded class the following year. It would just be a shame to waste a talented defense for a second year in a row.

Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Cassel earned himself a lot of money throughout his career after taking over the New England Patriots after Tom Brandy missed a whole year with a torn ACL. Could Willis be the Chiefs' version of Cassel?

Mahomes might be back earlier than we expected, but if he’s not, they will need a backup plan stronger than Gardner Minshew or Chris Oladokun. Willis could bring a Mahomes-like level of athleticism to the Chiefs' offense. Andy Reid is one of the best coaches in the NFL, and there aren’t many guys who could get more out of a player than him. The Chiefs have a few weapons on the outside, and could strengthen their defense and run game in the draft if they let Willis take the reins until Mahomes recovers from injury.

Minnesota Vikings

I’m not sure if Minnesota has much faith in Nine as their quarterback of the future. Even if they plan to roll with J.J. McCarthy again next year, they need to have another quarterback ready to back him up. McCarthy missed a lot of time with injury this year, and Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer didn’t inspire anyone in their limited action.

Bringing in a player like Willis might be great for McCarthy. He needs to earn his spot next year, and competing against Willis could bring out more of what we saw from McCarthy at Michigan. Also, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was already able to revive Sam Darnold’s career. Maybe he could do that again with Malik Willis?