A trending report this week suggested Malik Willis could command $30 million per year on a free agent contract.
The Green Bay Packers‘ QB is looking at a big payday, yes, but probably not to that extent.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler poured some water on that flame in a new report this weekend.
“Willis’ market has been a prominent topic this week,” Fowler writes. “But a team offering him $30-plus million per year doesn’t appear realistic. 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.”
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The thing working in Willis’ favor is that a number of teams could be seeking a new QB.
If a bidding war ensues, that will help raise the salary he ends up with.
Fowler references the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals as both potentially pursuing Willis, and he mentions that the Browns probably won’t be.
Willis has improved greatly in his time with the Packers, but it’s a small-sample size over the past two seasons.
A team will take a chance on him, almost certainly for eight figures per season. He certainly has a lot of physical ability.
“Multiple offensive coaches said Willis has the chance to be the league’s best rushing quarterback and that he has the power in his legs and arm to drive the ball to all parts of the field,” Fowler writes.
What will that cost? Later in March, the football world will find out.
