2026 NFL Offseason Kicks Off with Scouting Combine
This week marks the beginning of the 2026 NFL offseason with the Scouting Combine taking place in Indianapolis.
As usual, a key point of interest is the quarterback position. Yet, the challenge is that there are limited top-tier options for teams desperately looking for a new QB. Fernando Mendoza is anticipated to be the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. However, teams like the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Arizona Cardinals, who are also on the hunt for a quarterback, may have to either wait in the draft or consider other avenues.
This situation could potentially benefit Malik Willis.
The former third-round selection from the Tennessee Titans had a few standout moments last season, particularly during his play in relief of Jordan Love. Many now view him as the top free agent choice for a team seeking a starting quarterback. For context, Greg Rosenthal recently shared a list of the top 101 NFL free agents, and guess who’s leading the pack?
Where might he land? Let’s take a look at five noteworthy possibilities.
There’s chatter suggesting the Cleveland Browns might be inclined to pursue free agent Willis, despite having drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedule Sanders last season. Additionally, it seems Deshaun Watson is likely to stay on the roster due to contract implications.
One significant reason a move for Willis could succeed is Todd Monken. Bringing in Willis to play under an offensive-minded head coach could be a great fit, especially considering Monken’s experience with Lamar Jackson.
The hitch? Finances. Cleveland currently has just over $3 million in cap space, which complicates things since that’s technically over the cap. With Willis expected to demand around $30 million annually, that prospect seems daunting for Browns fans.
And with those numbers, making this work could prove challenging.
New head coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh has quite a to-do list ahead of him.
Understanding the quarterback situation might be at the top. There’s Aaron Rodgers to consider, along with Will Howard, Pittsburgh’s late-round draft choice. But could Willis be the best fit for the Steelers?
They do have some financial wiggle room, with approximately $40 million in effective cap space. Two analysts have even suggested that Pittsburgh could be an ideal landing spot for Willis.
Did that connection resonate? McCarthy and Willis together could create a dynamic duo. As pointed out by Mina Kimes, a combination of DK Metcalf and Willis could promote a more vertical passing game, which would be beneficial if McCarthy wants to enhance his offense.
Generally speaking, you’d expect a team with the second draft pick to target a quarterback.
But this year, things aren’t lining up that way.
After Mendoza, there are many uncertainties about the quarterbacks in this draft class. Ty Simpson appears to be the consensus choice as QB2, but picking him second overall may be premature, considering the talent in other positions. For instance, recent mock drafts even show the Jets leaning toward selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with that pick.
The Jets do hold another first-round pick at No. 16, but that might still be too soon for Simpson.
This situation could force New York to explore the free-agent route. With around $80 million in cap space, they certainly have the means to consider signing Willis, even if his contract demands are high.
ESPN’s Ben Solak indicated on the Rich Eisen Show that he wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jets interested in Willis. “The Jets have a liking to mobile quarterbacks. They could make a competitive offer similar to what they have for Justin Fields,” he stated.
Yet there’s also the Frank Reich element to consider. New York’s offensive coordinator tends to lean toward a West Coast system, prioritizing short to intermediate passing. Willis thrives in a vertical passing game. While this doesn’t entirely rule out a move, it would likely require adjustments on either party’s end.
As the Combine unfolds, there are reports suggesting the Arizona Cardinals might be looking to trade Kyler Murray, aiming for a change despite his hefty guaranteed salary this coming season.
Jacoby Brissett, who stepped in for Murray last season, could serve as a temporary bridge for Arizona leading into the 2027 NFL Draft. Still, there’s a good chance Willis could be the answer for them.
A potential reason? The new head coach, Mike LaFleur, who recently took over after the departure of Jonathan Gannon. Given that Willis played under Matt LaFleur for a few seasons, there’s a familiarity there. Some analysts even position the Cardinals as frontrunners for a free-agent quarterback.
With about $40 million to work with in free agency, this scenario could possibly work out financially for Arizona.
Meanwhile, in Miami, there’s a fresh slate of management.
Willis is certainly known to them.
The new general manager, John Eric Sullivan, who’s previously been part of the Packers organization, was instrumental in bringing Willis to Green Bay. He’s worked his way through the ranks since starting as an intern.
Then there’s the Dolphins’ new head coach, Jeff Hafley, who was the defensive coordinator for Green Bay and has had firsthand experience with Willis in practice.
Of course, getting the financials sorted out could prove tough. Miami is currently sitting on only $3 million after making several budget cuts, largely due to commitments to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. But if they can balance the books, Miami might just be the perfect spot for Willis.
