There were reports last week that surmised Malik Willis could get as much as $30 million per year, but it seems that might have been too rich. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that could mean the team would be in the sweepstakes for Willis.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN put Willis’ market more so at $20 million per year, which would in line with what Justin Fields received last year.
“Willis’ market has been a prominent topic this week. But a team offering him $30-plus million per year doesn’t appear realistic,” Fowler wrote. “Many front offices believe the more accurate comp is Justin Fields’ deal with the Jets last year (two years, $40 million). Could that jump up due to cap inflation and/or multiple suitors? Sure. A range of $20-25 million annually is certainly a good starting point. But Willis hitting the $30 million threshold as a player with six career starts would surprise some of the teams at the combine.”
He played in just four games, but Willis shined in his one start with the Packers, a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He had 422 passing yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions and added 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
While Pittsburgh would not be the front runners for Willis, they will be in the sweepstakes if Aaron Rodgers does not return. Jason La Canfora sees the Miami Dolphins, who are primed to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, as a team that could lure Willis.
Willis was a hot name coming out of Liberty in the 2022 NFL Draft, but concerns about his play style and overall readiness to play made him fall to the third round, where the Tennessee Titans selected him. He was later traded to the Green Bay Packers to become their backup to Jordan Love.
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