Malik Willis: Where Will the New QB Land?

The 2026 NFL off‑season has already kicked into high gear with the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. A lot of attention is on the quarterback position, especially because several teams that need a new starter are short on top‑draft options. In that mix, Malik Willis—a former third‑round pick who stepped in for Jordan Love last season—has become a hot free‑agency target. Many analysts see him as the best pick for teams that want a mobile, game‑changing signal caller. The Cleveland Browns are eyeing Willis even though they drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders last year. With Deshaun Watson still on the roster, Cleveland would need a new quarterback if they can match Willis’s likely $30‑plus million contract. The team has just over $3 million in cap space, so a deal would be a stretch unless the salary structure is worked out. Still, head coach Todd Monken’s offensive style could suit Willis’s skill set. The Pittsburgh Steelers offer another possibility. New head coach Mike McCarthy is still sorting out the quarterback role, and Pittsburgh has roughly $40 million in effective cap space. Analysts suggest that Willis could fit a more vertical passing attack, especially with wide receiver DK Metcalf on the roster. The main question is whether McCarthy’s system can adapt to Willis’s strengths.

New York’s Jets are a third option. With the No. 2 pick in the draft, they could take a quarterback, but the talent pool at other positions makes that less likely. The Jets also have a large cap room—about $80 million—and might be able to afford Willis if they choose free agency. Their new offensive coordinator, Frank Reich, prefers short‑and‑intermediate throws, so the team would need to tweak its scheme or Willis would have to adjust his play. Arizona’s Cardinals are also in the mix. The team is looking to trade away Kyler Murray and has almost $40 million available for free agents. With new head coach Mike LaFleur—who previously coached Willis in Green Bay—Arizona could be a good fit. The Cardinals might see Willis as the next step after Jacob Brissett, who filled in for Murray last season. Finally, Miami’s Dolphins could be the top destination. New GM Jon‑Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley both know Willis from Green Bay, where they helped him develop. The Dolphins have limited cap space—only about $3 million—but a contract could be structured around the departure of Tua Tagovailoa. If finances line up, Miami would have a familiar coaching staff to guide Willis into the league. In short, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York, Arizona, and Miami all present plausible homes for Malik Willis. Each team faces financial hurdles or system adjustments, but the common thread is a coaching staff that knows how to use a mobile quarterback. The choice will come down to who can make the numbers work and fit Willis into their offensive vision.

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