One of Packers GM Brian Gutekunst's 'best' move paying off for Green Bay 2 Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws for a first down during the first quarter of their preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

'Absolutely': Packers OC sees Malik Willis ready for starting opportunity

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 9:09 AM ET

Malik Willis drew praise from his offensive coordinator, Adam Stenavich as the Green Bay Packers gear up for the final game of the 2025 regular season. Nearing the end of his fourth year in the NFL and his second with Green Bay, Willis has continued to fill the backup quarterback role after starting his career with the Tennessee Titans. Since debuting in 2022, he has logged 22 game appearances, offering steady depth and experience in reserve.

Willis has taken the reins as the Packers’ starting quarterback on several occasions this season when Jordan Love has been sidelined with injuries over the past two years. He’s shown glimpses of his upside, delivering key plays that have kept Green Bay competitive whenever Love has been out.

However, Willis will enter the 2026 offseason as a free agent. During Thursday’s press conference, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich told USA Today’s Ryan Wood that he sees Willis as ready to take on a full-time starting role. Stenavich praised his arm and game management, suggesting that another team in need of a capable quarterback could give him a bigger opportunity.

Adam Stenavich on Malik Willis

“Is he good enough to be a starter in this league? Absolutely. And I’m sure he’s going to want that opportunity,” said the Packers offensive coordinator.

“Can he throw? Yes,” Stenavich described Willis as “elite” when extending plays with his feet and praised his command of the offense, saying he runs it efficiently and makes smart decisions under pressure.

“When he is on the field, our production does not dip,” Stenavich continued.

Willis has appeared in 11 games with Green Bay, including three starts, and will make his fourth in Week 18. He’s thrown 70 completions for 972 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 42 carries for 261 yards and three rushing scores.

The Packers have locked in a playoff spot with a 9-6-1 record, sitting second in the NFC North behind the Chicago Bears and ahead of the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. In the broader NFC standings, the Packers hold the seventh seed, ahead of the Vikings and Lions but trailing the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.

Malik Willis and the Packers aim to finish the regular season on a high note before shifting focus to the playoffs. They will hit the road to face the Vikings on January 4 at 1 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: