The Arizona Cardinals are in a quarterback conundrum. With Kyler Murray set to exit the desert and Jacoby Brissett a potential trade candidate, the Cardinals need some semblance of normalcy at the position.
According to sources, they could be using the free agent market to their advantage.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that two teams could be going after free-agent quarterback Malik Willis. Those teams are the Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins.
“Two teams I’ll be watching to pursue Malik Willis, if they can find someone to take their current quarterbacks, are the Cardinals and Dolphins,” Fowler wrote. “The ties are obvious: New Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley got a head start on Willis from Green Bay, and new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur can get intimate knowledge of Willis’ game from LaFleur’s brother, Matt. The Cardinals and Dolphins are saddled with huge guarantees for Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, respectively, though.”
What Would Willis Bring to the Arizona Cardinals?
Willis is a former third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college at Liberty, where he would throw for 47 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He was a very effective runner as well, with 1822 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns.
His tenure with Tennessee was nothing short of awful. He started just three games in 2022, being beaten out by Ryan Tannehill and Josh Dobbs.
In those three starts, he threw for just 276 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. While he added 123 yards and a touchdown on the ground, he was largely ineffective.
During the 2023 season, he didn’t start a single game, being benched in favor of Will Levis.
His Titans tenure had effectively ended. After the 2023 season, the Titans traded Willis to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
During the next two seasons, Willis would be the backup to Jordan Love. With the Packers, he got the opportunity to start a few games with Love injured.
He went 2-1 in three games started with Green Bay, throwing six touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added three scores on the ground, looking the part of a starting NFL quarterback.
Would Willis Fit on the Cardinals?
With Willis now entering free agency, he will be a highly sought-after quarterback.
While Mike LaFleur’s coaching staff is still in the works, it’s hard to imagine Willis wouldn’t be a fit on this team.
The NFL covets a dual-threat quarterback, and Willis has shown the potential to be an elite one.
Due to his performance with the Packers, Willis proved he can run a pro-style offense with efficiency. His rushing prowess, as well as his ability to throw the ball deep, will help any team out.
With Daniel Jones expected to return to Indianapolis and Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh, Willis could very well be the top free agent quarterback this offseason.
There might not be a better option for the Cardinals in 2026 at quarterback, so it’s imperative they at least test the waters with Willis.
He will get an opportunity to start in 2026; it’s just a matter of which team he will be with.
Cardinals a Team to Watch for Sought-After Free-Agent Quarterback: Insider