Malik

Willis

Miami is among the teams expected to pursue Willis, a former third-round draft pick, this offseason. Willis showed great improvement over two seasons in Green Bay, spot starting in place of Jordan love a few times and appearing in 11 games as the Packers quarterback. Willis has connections to new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan from their time with the Packers. “Let’s envision a scheme built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in; that would set up Willis well as a thrower, and the QB run game would generate conflict for opposing defenses,” Bowen said. “Willis’ development in Green Bay creates upside for the Dolphins.” Willis’ mobility and arm strength would certainly bring more upside to the Miami offense than departing starter Tua Tagovailoa.

The entire Dolphins front office is now essentially a Packers front office after they hired GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley away, so that’s an easy tie. Mike LaFleur, the new head coach in Arizona, can pick the brain of his brother (Green Bay’s head coach) about Willis. We’ve tied Willis to the Dolphins earlier this offseason, but it’s a little surprising to see the Cardinals as a potential suitor given how well Jacoby Brissett played down the stretch in 2025.

In an appearance for ESPN Cleveland radio, Fowler said he would “expect the Browns to add” to the quarterback room in the offseason. Fowler mentioned Alabama draft prospect Ty Simpson and impending free agent Malik Willis as options to “shake up” the quarterback situation under new head coach Todd Monken. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel were underwhelming as rookies while Deshaun Watson is still in Cleveland coming off an Achilles injury and still holding a large cap hit. If Fowler’s words are any indication, we could see another name or two added to the mix this offseason.

Jackson starts with Malik Willis, who spent the last two years marinating in Packers culture. The Dolphins have a very clear need at the position after benching Tua Tagovailoa late last season. Money might be an issue with the Dolphins starting the offseason $30 million over the cap, but it’s easy to connect the dots here and see Willis in Miami. Quay Walker, Kingsley Enagbare, Romeo Doubs and Sean Rhyan are also potential fits per Jackson.

He never progressed past a limited session this week, just as it was ahead of Week 18’s game where he was ultimately the inactive emergency quarterback. If Willis can’t go this week, Desmond Ridder will be Green Bay’s backup against the Bears. The fact that Ridder was signed to the active roster early in the week seems to forecast that there’s a real chance of Willis sitting again this week.

With little to play for, the Packers will rest key starters ahead of the postseason, including Jordan Love, though he was cleared to suit up for Week 18. Willis will sit, leaving Clayton Tune as the Packers’ starter against a tough Minnesota defense that will likely overwhelm the third year pro. Emmanuel Wilson could function as the Packers’ lead back with Jacobs inactive. JJ McCarthy and the Vikings will likely face second and third stringers on Green Bay’s defense.

Willis could suit up for backup duties, but we expect him to be the emergency third quarterback behind starting QB Clayton Tune and backup QB Desmond Ridder. Willis has been a valuable backup for the Packers this season. They will likely try to preserve his health for the playoffs.

Love is practicing in full and out of the concussion protocol. The Packers are locked in as the No. 7 seed in the NFC, giving them nothing to play for in Week 18. Love will be one of several starters who get the week off. LaFleur told reporters the team hasn’t made a decision on Tune’s backup versus Minnesota. Malik Willis is dealing with shoulder and hamstring issues. He could be inactive as the team’s third quarterback, with Love holding the clipboard for Tune on Sunday.

Willis left Week 17’s loss with a shoulder injury, though he impressed with 288 yards passing, 60 yards rushing and three total touchdowns against the Ravens. Clayton Tune finished out the game with Willis and Jordan Love sidelined. With Love still in the NFL’s concussion protocol and the Packers locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC Playoffs, Willis could start again in Week 18 against the Vikings if he’s healthy enough.

Willis appeared to aggravate the shoulder injury that he suffered in Week 16 against the Bears. The signal-caller was playing exceptionally well prior to the injury, but looked to be in significant pain after stretching the arm on a throw to the outside. Clayton Tune has taken over at quarterback. It did appear that Willis was set to return to this contest, but with the game out of hand, Tune remained in the game. He could start in Week 18 against the Vikings with that game having no meaning, but it’ll be at least somewhat dependent on Jordan Love (concussion) and his health.