Rumblings around the league indicate Aaron Rodgers is likely to be back behind center for the Pittsburgh Steelers next season. But that doesn’t mean the Steelers won’t shop the free agent market. One intriguing option that will potentially be available this March is former 2022 third-round pick Malik Willis.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported Tuesday the Steelers are one of a few teams expressing interest in Willis.
“Green Bay backup Malik Willis is set to become a highly sought-after starting quarterback in the offseason,” La Canfora. “Teams including the Steelers, Browns, and Dolphins are interested.
“Green Bay backup Malik Willis put himself in a position to earn a significant payday with his improved play the past two seasons backing up Jordan Love, and has growing support among several teams in the market for a new starting quarterback, according to league sources close to SportsBoom.”
Willis went 2-1 as a starter for the Green Bay Packers the past two seasons. Willis started three contests for an injured Jordan Love.
In 2025, Willis completed 30 of 35 passes for 422 passing yards with three touchdowns. He added 123 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns to that impressive stat line as well. It’s important to note, though, Willis appeared in just four games.
The 2026 NFL Free Agency QB Market
Pundits have floated the Steelers as a potential landing spot for Willis for quite some time. But La Canfora is the first insider to suggest the team has real interest.
During the 2023 NFL Draft process, there was a lot of hype about the Steelers, specifically former head coach Mike Tomlin, loving Willis. After the draft, that appeared to be dramatically overblown, though, as the Steelers picked quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round. Willis landed with the Tennessee Titans at No. 86 overall.
As a rookie, Willis appeared badly overmatched, completing only 50.8% of his passes with zero touchdowns and three interceptions. He never received serious starter consideration again.
But with the Packers, he appeared much more seasoned in his backup appearances. That is expected to make him a coveted signal-caller in the NFL this offseason.
In fact, Willis could be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in 2026 free agency. According to Spotrac, Daniel Jones is the only pending NFL free agent signal-caller with a higher market value than Willis this offseason.
Spotrac projected Willis’ average annual salary worth to be $10.58 million. Interestingly, Spotrac predicted Rodgers’ value for 2026 to be $10.57 million.
Could the Steelers Target QB Malik Willis in 2026 NFL Free Agency?
The Steelers bringing back Rodgers for one more season makes a lot of sense. That’s especially true with his former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy the new man in charge in Pittsburgh.
But with Willis, the Steelers could have the advantage of holding an open competition behind center. Willis could compete with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. A 2025 sixth-round pick, Howard has received praise from McCarthy this offseason.
If the Steelers are serious about how much they like Howard, it might be better for his development to have a real opportunity to be one of the team’s top two quarterbacks next season. That would allow Howard more practice repetitions, and he would dress on game days.
With Rodgers back, Howard would again be the clear-cut No. 3 quarterback.
Make no mistake, the Steelers aren’t interested in Willis to be Howard’s backup. If they sign Willis, it would be with the intention to start him.
But Willis gives the Steelers a potential high ceiling quarterback and some flexibility should the plan behind center change.
Steelers Showing Interest in ‘Highly Sought-After’ 2026 NFL Free Agent QB: Report