Where Will Malik Willis Land? NFL Fit, Contract Expectations, and Starting Potential

Malik Willis remains one of the more intriguing quarterback names in NFL discussions — partly because his star power and physical tools are undeniable, and partly because his career trajectory has been unconventional. Let’s break down:

🔥 Where he might land next💸 What type of contract he could earn📊 Whether he has a legitimate chance to be an NFL starter

All with context and some recent research on his skills and history.

🧠 A Brief Overview — Who Is Malik Willis?

Malik Willis was a highly-rated dual-threat quarterback in college at Liberty University, where his explosiveness and arm strength made him one of the most exciting prospects in the 2022 draft class. His improv-style playmaking and big-play ability were undeniable. (via Wikipedia)

The Tennessee Titans selected him in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but his development has been a mix of flashes and inconsistency. He’s currently a free agent heading into the 2026 offseason.

📍 Potential Landing Spots in 2026

🏈 1. Backup/Bridge QB Spot With a Rebuilding Team

Multiple teams could view Willis as a valuable young backup with upside — especially in situations where a veteran starter is in place but future options are unclear.

Possible fits:

• New York Giants — if Daniel Jones moves on, Willis could compete as a developmental bridge QB.

• Chicago Bears — already in a rebuild with uncertain long-term QB depth.

• Washington Commanders — new coaching regimes often like to mix youth with veterans.

In those systems, Willis wouldn’t be expected to start immediately, but could earn playing time and prove his worth.

🏈 2. Competing for a Starting Job on a Fringe Contender

Willis could wind up with a team that is between windows — not fully rebuilding, but not yet super-competitive — and they might give him a real shot in camp.

Examples:

• Atlanta Falcons — a team that’s experimented at QB and could have openings.

• Carolina Panthers — depending on their offseason moves.

• Indianapolis Colts — if Anthony Richardson’s recovery timeline extends or they want competition.

These situations are more of a “prove it or move on” vibe — but that’s exactly where Willis’s playstyle can shine if coached properly.

🏈 3. A Wild Card Landing Spot

Some teams might consider Willis purely because of his elite physical traits, even if his tape isn’t consistent.

Teams that could take a flier:

• Las Vegas Raiders — if they want to chase “high ceiling” rather than “safe floor.”

• New Orleans Saints — if they want to pair Willis with a strong run-first offense and ease him in.

NFL front offices have become more willing to bet on high-variance QBs — so these “dark horse” fits aren’t as far-fetched as they once were.

💰 How Much Will Malik Willis Get Paid?

Willis’s next contract will depend heavily on role, club fit, and guarantees — and that’s going to separate what kind of deal he gets:

🔹 If He’s a Backup or Bridge QB:

Expect something in the $2M–$6M average annual value (AAV) range — similar to what veteran backups or young developmental QBs command.

This would likely be a 2- to 3-year deal with moderate guarantees, assuming the team sees him as a long-term secondary option with upside.

🔹 If He Has a Shot at Starting:

If a team views Willis as a starter — even a “competition starter” — the number jumps.

Look at deals like:

• Jordan Love’s early extension (around $110M over 5 years with $71M guaranteed) as a template for what a team might offer if they’re all-in on a young QB.

• Kirk Cousins’ short, high-guarantee deal as another example of a bridge starter contract.

In that scenario, Willis could command offers in the $12M–$18M AAV range, depending on guaranteed money and years.

Which level he actually hits will depend on:

1. how strong the market is for QBs

2. how teams value his upside vs. risk

3. whether any team thinks his traits translate to upper-tier production

📊 Can Malik Willis Be a Full-Time NFL Starter?

Short answer: Yes — but with asterisks.

Here’s the breakdown:

✅ The “Yes” Argument

Willis has traits that can make a starter:

• Elite athleticism — one of the best running threats among QBs in recent memory.

• Arm strength — capable of make-every-throw velocity.

• High upside — he’s a toolsy player who can make explosive plays.

Those traits alone make him an intriguing candidate where team development systems are strong.

❌ The “Challenge” Side

Willis has struggled in a few key areas:

• Consistency in reads and accuracy.

• Decision-making in pro-style pockets.

• Film shows wins on raw ability — not always on fundamentals.

That’s why many teams have viewed him as a developmental QB rather than a plug-and-play starter.

🏁 So What’s Most Likely?

Realistically, Willis’s path looks like:

🔹 Scenario A — Backup with Upside

He signs a moderate deal ($3M–$8M/yr) and competes as a backup, earning occasional starts or relief appearances.

Best case here: he outplays veteran starter options and wins a job outright.

🔹 Scenario B — Starter Competition

He joins a team with QB uncertainty, has a fair shot, and earns starts midseason — suddenly boosting his value and future contract potential.

🔹 Scenario C — Career Backup / Spot Starter

Teams like the Giants or Raiders view him as a swing QB — not necessarily their long-term answer, but a high-ceiling alternative to veteran backups.

Malik Willis isn’t your typical backup — but he’s not a proven starter yet either.

Here’s what we know:

• He has elite physical traits that NFL teams value.

• He’s more valuable in the right system than just “any system.”

• He can be a starter — but will likely need the right environment and coaching.

• His next contract will reflect role and opportunity, which means there’s a wide range of possible values.

In today’s NFL, quarterbacks are always in demand — and someone with Willis’s traits will absolutely find a landing spot. It’s just a matter of which role he’s offered and how he performs once he gets it.