5 Teams That Could Sign Malik Willis In 2026

4. Minnesota Vikings

To say J.J. McCarthy has not lived up to expectations would be an understatement. While the quarterback played well in his two most recent starts, he suffered another injury and forced the team to turn to undrafted free agent Max Brosmer. McCarthy can’t stay on the field, his overall body of work leaves a lot to be desired, and nobody would blame the Vikings for adding some offseason competition to this quarterback room.

Malik Willis could do well in this offense, but the Vikings will probably add a more proven veteran like Marcus Mariota. Ultimately, Minnesota wants McCarthy to become a franchise quarterback, and Willis would be an odd choice for a competitive backup. If the Vikings sign Willis, it’s probably because they do not believe in McCarthy’s future.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Michael Penix tore his ACL and could miss the start of the 2026 season, but even if he’s healthy, he hasn’t done enough to establish himself as the future of this organization. Much like McCarthy, the Washington product has an extensive injury history and hasn’t done much to impress when on the field. However, unlike McCarthy, the coaching staff that drafted him probably won’t be running the show in 2026.

2. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins benched Tua Tagovailoa , which means someone else will be under center in 2026. Head coach Mike McDaniel will presumably return for another season, but he’ll need to prove that he can win games with a different quarterback. If he can’t, then he’s probably out of a job. Malik Willis likely proved he’s the top free agent quarterback, and the Dolphins are one of the most desperate teams for the position.

The biggest obstacle standing in the way is the money. Parting ways with Tagovailoa won’t be cheap, and a bidding war could erupt for Malik Willis. If this happens, it’s hard to imagine Miami being the highest bidder.

1. New York Jets

This just feels inevitable, doesn’t it? The New York Jets need a quarterback, and they might not be able to select one early in the 2026 NFL Draft. At 3-12, the Jets would have the fourth-overall pick if the season ended today. Seeing as it’s supposed to be a weak quarterback class, this might not be enough to get a franchise passer.

If the team isn’t in a position to draft a potential savior, they might settle for Malik Willis. The jury is still out on what Willis can do over a full 17-game season, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance in Green Bay. If nothing else, he already looks like a more developed passer than Justin Fields.