The Minnesota Vikings can try to address the uncertainty around the health and development of JJ McCarthy by trading for a top-five quarterback this offseason, but there might be a simpler and less expensive solution just one state over.
Malik Willis has been one of the better backups in the league over the last couple seasons with the Green Bay Packers and made the biggest statement of his NFL career while filling in for Jordan Love on Saturday night, December 27.
Green Bay lost handily at home to the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 41-24, but Willis filled up the box score by completing 18-of-21 passes for 288 yards and one TD, while also rushing for 60 yards and two scores on nine carries.
Sentiment around the league and on social media in the aftermath of that performance was that Willis earned himself starting QB consideration, and potentially starting QB money, heading into his first cycle of unrestricted free agency next March.
A handful of teams will be in the quarterback market to one degree or another, and the Vikings offer an interesting opportunity with an elite coach in Kevin O’Connell and an even better wide receiver in Justin Jefferson.
“The list of possibilities include the Jets, Dolphins, Browns, Vikings, Colts, Raiders, Cardinals, Falcons, Saints and Steelers,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote December 24. “The Vikings must decide on whether to bring in competition for J.J. McCarthy.”
“There are a lot of teams that are going to be in the QB market this offseason,” ESPN’s Dan Graziano added. “Not all of them will be able to address the position via the draft, and several have their eyes on Willis as a potential solution given what he has been able to do in Green Bay.”
Malik Willis Has Proven Himself Efficient, Effective NFL QB
GettyGreen Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis.
Willis is in the final season of his four-year rookie contract, which is worth just under $5.2 million total. The Tennessee Titans drafted him in the third round in 2022.
The Packers landed Willis via a trade (seventh-round pick) in August 2024. That deal has proven a steal for Green Bay, as Willis has played in 11 games for the franchise over the past two years, including two starts (2-1).
Willis has tallied 1,322 passing yards with six TDs and three INTs on a 67.7 percent completion rate in 22 career appearances, including six starts (3-3). He has also rushed the football 74 times for 405 yards (5.5 yards per attempt) and four scores over that span.
Malik Willis Has Come Long Way Across 2 Seasons Under Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur
GettyGreen Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis.
Graziano dubbed Willis a “very intriguing free agent” before his big night in primetime Saturday.
He added that Willis’s development under the Packers’ offensive system should add to the QB’s value come next offseason.
“[Willis] is 26 years old and has now spent basically two full seasons being coached by Matt LaFleur, Adam Stenavich and the Packers’ offensive coaching staff, and he has played well when he has had to fill in for Love because of injury,” Graziano wrote. “The Packers like him a lot and could try to keep him, but if he has a chance to go somewhere else and compete for a starting job, that might be tough to do.”
Willis is among the best options for the Vikings considering their QB situation heading into 2026, and Minnesota also appears to make a good deal of sense as a potential springboard for Willis into the realm of longterm NFL starters.
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