All through the NFL, many gamers are getting second possibilities to change into full-time starters. Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and now Daniel Jones are just a few of the largest success tales we’ve seen from guys getting a second likelihood.
Malik Willis didn’t obtain too many alternatives in his brief stint in Tennessee and has now gotten the prospect to again up Jordan Love in Inexperienced Bay. Throughout his tenure in Inexperienced Bay, he has shined in his restricted sport motion. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has gotten essentially the most out of Willis when he has relieved Love, and has been way more environment friendly than he was in his first two seasons within the NFL.
Everybody knew that Willis was a uncooked prospect who wanted time to mature within the NFL, and I feel he’s earned the chance to begin once more. Possibly his success has come from the strong supporting solid round him in Inexperienced Bay, however I feel there are just a few groups that might take a flier on him being a starter in 2026.
Cleveland Browns
From what we’ve seen out of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, I don’t assume both shall be a franchise quarterback long run; nonetheless, when you nonetheless need them to earn an opportunity to begin subsequent season, Willis can be an fascinating quarterback to herald to compete for QB1.
The Browns desperately need assistance on the offensive line, and it doesn’t matter what quarterback they draft within the Spring, they may want a number of enchancment from the fellows up entrance. Bringing in a man like Willis offers Cleveland a number of choices on the sign caller subsequent season, and it shouldn’t be too costly an choice. If Willis succeeds, the Browns may shock some folks with a simple last-place schedule that features the NFC South. If he doesn’t, the Browns shall be in place to draft a QB in a loaded class the next yr. It might simply be a disgrace to waste a proficient protection for a second yr in a row.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, USA; A normal view of GEHA Subject earlier than the sport between the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Subject at Arrowhead Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Denny Medley-Imagn Photos Matt Cassel earned himself some huge cash all through his profession after taking on the New England Patriots after Tom Brandy missed a complete yr with a torn ACL. May Willis be the Chiefs’ model of Cassel?
Mahomes could be again sooner than we anticipated, but when he’s not, they may want a backup plan stronger than Gardner Minshew or Chris Oladokun. Willis may carry a Mahomes-like stage of athleticism to the Chiefs’ offense. Andy Reid is likely one of the greatest coaches within the NFL, and there aren’t many guys who may get extra out of a participant than him. The Chiefs have just a few weapons on the surface, and will strengthen their protection and run sport within the draft in the event that they let Willis take the reins till Mahomes recovers from harm.
Minnesota Vikings
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is taken to the locker room after successful towards the New York Giants throughout the first half at MetLife Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Photos I’m undecided if Minnesota has a lot religion in 9 as their quarterback of the longer term. Even when they plan to roll with J.J. McCarthy once more subsequent yr, they should have one other quarterback able to again him up. McCarthy missed a number of time with harm this yr, and Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer didn’t encourage anybody of their restricted motion.
Bringing in a participant like Willis could be nice for McCarthy. He must earn his spot subsequent yr, and competing towards Willis may carry out extra of what we noticed from McCarthy at Michigan. Additionally, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was already in a position to revive Sam Darnold’s profession. Possibly he may try this once more with Malik Willis?
