The Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, and Pittsburgh Steelers have named as the top landing spots for a potential starting quarterback who is set to hit the free agency market this offseason.
Due to his efficient play when stepping in for Jordan Love over the past two seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Malik Willis is making a case to compete for a starting job next season. Fansided's Justin Carter believes the Chiefs, Colts, and Steelers should explore the possibility of signing the Packers quarterback if he finds his way on the market.
Though his fumble at the end of Green Bay's Week 16 contest versus the Chicago Bears, which resulted in a turnover on downs, may have cost the Packers a key win, Willis still filled in nicely for Love, who left the game to be evaluated for a concussion.
The Liberty product completed nine of 11 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown on Sunday against Chicago, and also added 44 yards on the ground. Willis did end up hurting his shoulder versus the Bears, though, so Green Bay now has two quarterback injuries to worry about.
In seven games and two starts last year, Willis completed 74.1% of his passes for 550 yards and three touchdowns, along with 138 rushing yards. Most importantly, the Packers won both games when Willis was the starter in 2024.
Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh will all likely be in the quarterback market this offseason. It's unknown whether Patrick Mahomes will be ready for Week 1 as he rehabs a torn ACL, so the Chiefs will be looking for a bridge starter. Willis would be an intriguing fit in Andy Reid's offense.
The Colts are in a similar situation, as Daniel Jones is working back from a torn Achilles and will be a free agent in March. If Jones walks in free agency, Willis would be a savvy signing and could compete for the starting role.
Aaron Rodgers' future after 2025 is uncertain, so the Steelers could pivot to a new starting option. Willis could have success in Arthur Smith's offense and serve as a bridge for Pittsburgh as they prepare for life after Rodgers.
Overall, Willis would be a solid fit on any of these three teams, but the 26-year-old will also likely have more options if he indeed becomes a free agent in the spring. Willis has earned the opportunity to be a starter, but we'll see if it actually happens in 2026.
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