Malik Willis
Quarterback #2
Malik Willis News
Malik Willis Facing Uphill Battle With Limited Pass-Catchers
New Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract in free agency last week to become the team's new starting signal-caller. The former third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 out of Liberty is getting another chance at a starting role as the Dolphins rebuild from the ground up. The 26-year-old went 2-1 as a starter for the Green Bay Packers the last two seasons and threw for 976 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions while completing 78.7% of his passes in 11 total games. Willis' dynasty/keeper stock is up now that he's in a starting role, but his upside in South Beach is another thing entirely. The Dolphins cut All-Pro wideout Tyreek Hill (knee) and traded receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, leaving Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, and Tutu Atwell as the current top-three wideouts in Miami. Willis will have one of the most dynamic running backs behind him in De'Von Achane, but with limited pass-catching options to throw to, Willis is unlikely to be much more than a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in 2026.
Mar 17, 2026 6:20 PM EST
Dolphins Signing Malik Willis to a Three-Year Deal
The Miami Dolphins are signing former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million deal with $45 million fully guaranteed on Monday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Miami was always the obvious landing spot for Willis, who will reunite with head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan from their time in Green Bay. The Dolphins are releasing Tua Tagovailoa, paving the way for Willis to take over starting QB duties for the Dolphins in 2026. The 26-year-old former third-rounder of the Tennessee Titans in 2022 out of Liberty appeared in 11 games (three starts) for Green Bay the last two years and was impressive, completing 78.7% of his pass attempts for 976 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. He added 262 rushing yards and three rushing TDs. Willis' dual-threat abilities will make him an intriguing QB2 dart throw with plenty of upside, although the Dolphins will need to add some playmakers at receiver to help him out.
Mar 9, 2026 9:10 AM EST
Jets Could Pursue Malik Willis
The Miami Dolphins are the most obvious connection to Green Bay Packers impending free-agent quarterback Malik Willis after they hired head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan from the Packers. But The Athletic's Jeff Howe says not to overlook the New York Jets, whose $89 million in salary cap space is the third-most in the NFL, with $50 million more than any other team that would be in the free-agent QB market. Willis has the most upside of any free agent, but it remains to be seen if the Jets want to spend at the position after swinging and missing last year on Justin Fields. Demand could push Willis' projected market to two years and around $60 million. The Vikings and Falcons probably won't offer the most money, but they "could present better situations" that could lead Willis to a bigger contract down the road. Although Willis would be the guaranteed starter if he signs with the Jets, it won't exactly be an environment that will give him a ton of intrigue as a QB2 in superflex leagues.
Mar 3, 2026 6:13 AM EST
Malik Willis on the Browns Radar
Green Bay Packers impending free-agent quarterback Malik Willis and Alabama QB Ty Simpson are among the "external quarterbacks" on the Cleveland Browns' radar with the NFL scouting combine kicking off this week, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Meanwhile, the Browns are still trying to decide if they think one of Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson (Achilles) can be their starter in 2026. Watson has more experience in the NFL, but he didn't play at all last year due to a torn Achilles he suffered in 2024, and he's rarely been available for Cleveland since signing a massive five-year, $230 million contract with the team in March of 2022. Sanders, a fifth-rounder, predictably in his first eight games (seven starts) last year, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The Browns bringing in Willis or Simpson would signal their lack of faith in both Watson and Sanders going into the 2026 season.
Feb 23, 2026 1:59 PM EST
Malik Willis a Perfect Fit for Dolphins?
The Miami Dolphins have already been rumored to be a destination for Green Bay Packers impending free-agent quarterback Malik Willis, and ESPN's Matt Bowen believes they are a perfect fit for Willis in free agency. The Dolphins have a new general manager in Jon-Eric Sullivan and a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, who both came from Green Bay, so the connection is obvious. Miami is also looking to trade QB Tua Tagovailoa. Bowen envisions a scheme "built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in" by new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Willis only made three starts for the Packers in his two seasons with the team, but he proved to be an adequate backup as both a passer and runner, completing 78.7% of his passes for 976 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions while also running for three TDs in 11 total games played. The 26-year-old third-rounder will generate plenty of interest from QB-needy teams this offseason, and he could be a nice QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues in 2026 if he wins a starting job somewhere.
Feb 17, 2026 8:00 AM EST
Cardinals, Dolphins Could Pursue Malik Willis in Free Agency
If they can find someone to take their current quarterbacks in a trade, the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins are two teams to watch in the pursuit of Green Bay Packers impending free-agent QB Malik Willis, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. New Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley came from Green Bay and have an obvious connection with Willis, while new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur can get intimate knowledge of Willis' game from his brother, Matt, who is the head coach of the Packers. Fowler also lists the Cleveland Browns as a sleeper for Willis, but the hiring of head coach Todd Monken could change that, since he seems open to working with the QBs currently on the roster, including Shedeur Sanders. The 26-year-old Willis, a former third-rounder, completed 78.7% of his passes for 976 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions in 11 games (three starts) the last two years in Green Bay and is fully expected to join a new team in free agency this offseason.
Feb 9, 2026 10:35 AM EST
Packers Not Expecting to Re-Sign Malik Willis
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged on Wednesday that the team is likely to lose quarterback Malik Willis to a team that will at least allow him to compete for a starting job in 2026, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Willis will be an unrestricted free agent in March and should have a decent amount of suitors after he completed 85.7% of his passes for 422 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in four appearances (one start) in 2025 in his second year in Green Bay. The 26-year-old also completed 74.1% of his passes for 550 yards, three TDs, and no picks in seven games (two starts) in 2024. The former third-rounder by the Tennessee Titans also ran the ball 42 times for 261 yards and three more scores over the last two seasons. There's no guarantee he sees similar success in a new location, but Willis' fantasy stock as a QB2 option in fantasy will inevitably rise if he wins a starting job in 2026.
Feb 4, 2026 9:54 AM EST
Malik Willis Inactive for Regular-Season Finale
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. In addition to Willis being inactive, Jordan Love will ride the bench as Green Bay rests key starters. The Packers have nothing left to play for, as they already locked up the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. As a result, Clayton Tune will start at quarterback on Sunday afternoon. Willis will likely return to his backup quarterback role in the Wild Card Round, and he could earn a chance to compete for a starting job during free agency in March.
Jan 4, 2026 11:35 AM EST
Malik Willis Questionable for Week 18
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, hamstring) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. The Packers plan to rest Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder) this weekend, so if Willis is ruled out, Desmond Ridder would likely be elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster to back up Clayton Tune under center. Willis was limited in practice all week after injuring his right shoulder in the Week 17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Saturday. He was excellent for fantasy managers who streamed him in deeper leagues before his injury, going 18-for-21 passing for 288 yards and a touchdown as a passer while adding 60 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. Willis is trending toward sitting out in Week 18 with the Packers resting their injured players.
Jan 2, 2026 7:36 PM EST
Malik Willis Value on the Rise After Week 17 Performance
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder) has been spectacular stepping in for Jordan Love (concussion), who missed most of the Week 16 contest due to injury, and was ruled out for the Week 17 matchup. In the Week 17 matchup, where Willis played the whole game against the Baltimore Ravens, he completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 60 yards and scoring twice on the ground, good for 31.52 fantasy points. He was the overall QB3 on the week, and put a lot of great film on tape, and potentially played himself into a nice contract during the offseason, considering he is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) this upcoming spring. Regardless, Willis' value is on the rise, and for those still competing for a Week 18 championship, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur made it clear that Love is the team's starting quarterback when healthy, so Willis' starting will be contingent on Love's availability for Week 18. Willis himself also injured his shoulder in Week 17 and is listed as questionable, so something else to monitor as the Week 18 games approach. If neither quarterback can go, Clayton Tune would likely be in line to start Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Dec 31, 2025 9:35 AM EST
Malik Willis Dominates in Week 17, Provides Fantasy Value Moving Forward
Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis dominated on Saturday night against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17. He completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 60 yards and scoring twice on the ground, good for 31.52 fantasy points, making him worth a look on the waiver wire if he is scheduled to start again. Willis stepped in for the injured Jordan Love (left shoulder/concussion) and has made the most of his opportunities. Because of his recent performance, he should be on the fantasy radar in Week 18 if he starts against the Minnesota Vikings. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was non-committal after Saturday's 41-24 loss. Mainly because the Packers have locked up the seven seed in the NFC and can no longer move up or down. In Week 18, they also take on the Minnesota Vikings, who have been dominant against opposing quarterbacks, allowing the fewest fantasy points to the position on the season.
Dec 29, 2025 9:59 AM EST
Malik Willis has Deep-League Value for Week 17
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, illness) is in line to start under center for the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Starting quarterback Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder) has been ruled out after getting concussed during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. Willis came in as relief and completed nine of 11 passing attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 10 times for an additional 44 yards on the ground. Willis suffered a shoulder injury in the process. He's currently questionable for this game, but he'll make the start for the Packers if he's cleared to play. Otherwise, Clayton Tune might come off the practice squad and start if Willis is also ruled out. Willis is enough of a dual threat to be viewed as an option in superflex formats. Fantasy managers in standard 12-team formats should be able to find a more trustworthy streaming option at QB.
Dec 26, 2025 6:44 PM EST
Malik Willis Carrying Questionable Tag for Week 17 Tilt
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder/illness) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Willis joins the top option on the depth chart, Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder), on the final injury report as both QBs carry a questionable tag into the weekend. Willis replaced Love during last Saturday's loss to the Bears and went 9-for-11 with 121 yards and a score. However, the former third-round selection left this game with a shoulder injury and also picked up an illness earlier in the week. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to his status leading up to Saturday's kickoff. Still, Willis appears to be trending in the right direction, as he was able to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday, a significant upgrade after he was unable to practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. If Willis can progress enough, he would hold high-end QB2 upside facing a Baltimore secondary that has allowed the 12th-most PPR points to opposing QBs.
Dec 25, 2025 6:10 PM EST
Malik Willis Under the Weather on Wednesday
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (illness, shoulder) didn't practice on Wednesday due to an illness, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today Sports. Willis did not have a setback with his shoulder in Tuesday's practice (he was limited). The 26-year-old backup was forced into action in Saturday night's loss to the Chicago Bears when starter Jordan Love suffered a concussion. Willis went 9-for-11 passing for 121 yards and a touchdown, also adding 10 carries for 44 yards on the ground, but he suffered a right-shoulder injury that now makes him questionable to play this Saturday versus the Baltimore Ravens. If neither Willis nor Love can get cleared to play in Week 17, the Packers would be down to third-stringer Clayton Tune in a huge game. Fantasy managers must continue to keep a close eye on the Packers' QB situation entering the weekend.
Dec 24, 2025 1:38 PM EST
Malik Willis Listed as Limited on Tuesday
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report. Head coach Matt LaFleur said that Willis was "pretty sore" after injuring his shoulder while filling in for an injured Jordan Love (concussion) during Saturday night's loss to the Chicago Bears. The 2022 third-rounder finished the game, but there's a possibility that Willis won't be able to play in the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Willis was excellent in relief of Love, completing nine of 11 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown while adding 10 carries for 44 yards as a runner. If Willis and Love can't go, the Packers would be forced to elevate Clayton Tune from the practice squad to start against the Ravens.
Dec 24, 2025 12:59 AM EST
Malik Willis Battling Shoulder Injury
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder) is "pretty sore" as a result of the shoulder injury he suffered during Green Bay's Week 16 loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday night. Willis replaced Packers QB1 Jordan Love (concussion) after Love suffered a concussion that knocked him out of the game in the second quarter. Willis was able to finish the game, but it appears he's battling an injury that may put his status for the team's Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in doubt. Across 10 games (two starts) with the Packers since the start of the 2024 season, Willis has completed 76.5% of his pass attempts for 684 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He's also rushed for 201 yards and a score on 33 attempts. If neither Willis nor Love can play in Week 17, the Packers would likely be forced to elevate quarterback Clayton Tune from the practice squad to make the start against Baltimore.
Dec 21, 2025 9:18 PM EST
Malik Willis to Play in Preseason Finale
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that backup quarterback Malik Willis will play in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks. The Packers also plan on playing some or most of their starters, at least for a little bit. We would be surprised if starting QB Jordan Love (thumb) plays this weekend after having a minor surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb last week. The 26-year-old Willis went 6-for-14 for 83 yards on the first three possessions of the second preseason game last weekend against the Indianapolis Colts. Love is fully expected to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September, so Willis is primed to open the season as Green Bay's backup signal-caller. The former third-rounder by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 played in seven games in his first year with the Packers in 2024 and led the team to two wins with Love sidelined by injury.
Aug 19, 2025 12:31 PM EST
83 Passing Yards For Malik Willis In An Inefficient Preseason Start vs. Colts
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis played the first three series for the Packers on Saturday afternoon as Green Bay edged by the Indianapolis Colts 23-19. Willis put up 83 passing yards on just 6-of-14 passing, as even if starting quarterback Jordan Love (thumb) had been healthy, Willis was likely starting this game anyway. With Love's injured thumb likely sidelining him for the preseason finale next week, Willis' snaps were probably handled a bit more cautiously as he's slated to start the season as Love's backup if needed. Love is expected to start for the Packers in Week 1 at home against the Detroit Lions, but Willis shouldn't be rostered in any fantasy football leagues unless the team rules out Love for the Packers' season opener.
Aug 16, 2025 10:07 PM EST
Malik Willis to Start Second Preseason Game
With Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (thumb) sidelined temporarily after having surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb, Malik Willis will step into the starting role for the second preseason game on Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts. The former third-rounder by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 joined the Packers at the end of training camp last year and made two starts for the team when Love was injured, leading them to wins over the Colts in Week 2 and the Titans in Week 3. Willis has become more confident this year after having a full offseason to work with the offense and had a solid week during training camp practices as the QB1 with Love out of action. However, the first-team offense struggled on Thursday in a joint practice with the Colts. The 26-year-old will be off the fantasy radar in 2025 unless Love misses more games due to injury.
Aug 15, 2025 1:13 PM EST
Malik Willis Returns To Full Practice
Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis (thumb) returned to a full practice session on Thursday after he was limited on Wednesday. Jordan Love (elbow) was also limited on Wednesday and a full-go on Thursday, so both signal-callers should be ready to roll for the wild-card playoff game on Sunday in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Willis is dealing with a right-thumb injury that he apparently picked up on Sunday when he came on in relief of Love in the loss to the division-rival Chicago Bears in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The 25-year-old made two starts earlier this year when Love was sidelined with an injury and has appeared in seven games total, going 40-for-54 for 550 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Willis has been serviceable in limited duty for the Packers but won't carry any fantasy value into the postseason with Love looking good to go.
Jan 9, 2025 5:51 PM EST
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