Exclusive: Malik Willis Poised for Big Payday – Browns in Pole Position, Dolphins Interested

Green Bay backup Malik Willis put himself in a position to earn a significant payday with his improved play the past two seasons backing up Jordan Love, and has growing support among several teams in the market for a new starting quarterback, according to league sources close to SportsBoom.

The Packers are resigned to losing Willis this offseason with his contract expiring, multiple personnel executives said, and they would not be surprised to see him land in the AFC. 

While at least four teams are expected to express interest in the free-agent quarterback, including the Steelers, there is already growing buzz in the industry that the Browns and Dolphins are particularly keen on the emerging talent.

Market Will Form Quickly

One general manager, whose team will be in the quarterback market at least to some degree, pointed to Cleveland and Miami as the teams to beat, and another general manager, less inclined to be seeking a new QB, identified that contact Justin Fields signed with the Jets a year ago as a likely template for what Willis can likely land on the open market.

“I hear the same thing you do, about Miami and Cleveland,” the GM said. 

“It’s going to be close to the Fields deal. You’re looking at two years, $40M; $30M guaranteed. I think he’s better than Fields, by the way. I think he’ll be a better starter.”

Willis made a strong impression on Miami head coach Jeff Hafley, the Packers former defensive coordinator, according to team sources, and the combination of explosive runs and explosive passes that Willis provided in relief of Willis did not go unnoticed. 

While new Browns coach Todd Monken was a supporter of Cleveland starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the draft process last year, and was interested in the Ravens drafting him when Monken was running Baltimore’s offense, the Browns will be bringing in competition as well. 

Arizona will be looking at new quarterbacks also, but Jacoby Brissett thrived there as a starter and moving Kyler Murray’s huge contract will not be easy; getting that sorted out without Willis already signing somewhere else will be tricky.

Willis had one of the best games of his career last year against the Ravens, in front of Monken, gouging Baltimore’s defense, leading repeated long scoring drives, throwing for 288 yards, running for 60 yards, scoring two rushing touchdowns and throwing for a 39-yard touchdowns in that game.

“If it comes down to those teams, I think he ends up in Cleveland,” said one agent who represents other free-agent quarterbacks and has already started assessing the market. 

“Miami is going to be hamstrung by the Tua (Tagovailoa) contract. It’s going to take time for Arizona to move Kyler. I think the Browns will make an early push.”