As the Pittsburgh Steelers await a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers on his future, one free-agent gunslinger continues to draw attention.
When the black and gold hired head coach Mike McCarthy, many believed the four-time NFL MVP was likely to return. However, a decision has yet to be made, and with NFL free agency around the corner, the Steelers must take matters into their own hands.
Linked to Pittsburgh several times in the young 2026 offseason, Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis may be the perfect acquisition.
Willis lands top spot on NFL writers’ free agent list
NFL free agency is set to open in just over two weeks on March 11th at 4 p.m. EST. Two days before, at noon EST, teams will get the opportunity to contact free agents they are interested in. With the key dates rapidly approaching, NFL.com writer Gregg Rosenthal revealed his top 101 free agents of 2026, with Willis earning the No. 1 overall spot.
“I see him as the most dynamic quarterback in football as a runner, and his tape in Green Bay showed incredible growth as a passer over his two years with Matt LaFleur.”
Rosenthal continued, “Despite his limited sample size, Willis jumped to the top spot of this ranking based on the same logic that applies to the NFL draft: If a potential franchise quarterback is good enough to be ranked in the top five of a list like this, then he should be placed first, by virtue of the position. The ceiling is the roof.”
Late into the 2025-26 season, Packers starter Jordan Love suffered a concussion in the team’s Week 16 matchup with Chicago. The former third-round pick, Willis, entered the game and finished with an 81.8% completion rate, 121 passing yards, and a touchdown. On the ground, the 26-year-old rushed 10 times for 44 yards.
The following week, Green Bay took on the Baltimore Ravens, where Willis earned the start. Here, the former Tennessee Titan completed 18/21 for 288 yards and a touchdown. The Liberty product continued to prove his worth as a dual threat as well, rushing for 60 yards and two scores.
Willis was drafted in 2022, the same year Pittsburgh took Kenny Pickett in the first round. Now, as both Pittsburgh and Willis eye their next move, could the two come together after all?
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
