Steelers Eyeing Packers Backup QB Malik Willis as Potential Rodgers Successor

The 24-year-old Willis is gaining momentum as a top free agent target for Pittsburgh as they look to the future at quarterback.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:23am

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly interested in signing Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis as a potential replacement for the aging Aaron Rodgers. Willis, a 24-year-old free agent, has impressed with his strong arm and mobility in limited action behind starter Jordan Love in Green Bay. The Steelers could be an ideal landing spot for Willis, who would fit well in their offense and give them a dynamic dual-threat option at QB as they transition away from the 42-year-old Rodgers.

Why it matters

The Steelers are at a crossroads with Rodgers, who has yet to decide if he will return for the 2026 season. Signing Willis would give them a potential long-term solution at the position and allow them to move on from the future Hall of Famer if he does retire. Willis has shown promise and could thrive in Pittsburgh's offense, which has the weapons to maximize his skill set as a passer and runner.

The details

According to NFL analyst Mina Kimes, the Steelers are one of the teams that have emerged as a potential landing spot for the 24-year-old Willis, who is set to hit free agency. Kimes noted that while the Miami Dolphins have also been linked to Willis, Pittsburgh may be a better fit given their timeline and the offensive pieces they have in place. The Steelers could offer Willis a chance to start right away and develop into their quarterback of the future, with weapons like Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, and Calvin Austin III to work with.

  • Rodgers has yet to determine if he plans to return for the 2026 season.
  • Willis is set to become a free agent this offseason.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old quarterback who is considering retirement after spending the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Malik Willis

A 24-year-old backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers who is gaining momentum as a top free agent target for the Steelers.

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers.

Jaylen Warren

A running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers who could be a key offensive weapon for the team.

DK Metcalf

A wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who could be a top target for a new quarterback like Malik Willis.

Calvin Austin III

A wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who could also benefit from the addition of a dynamic quarterback like Malik Willis.

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What they’re saying

“Two of the teams I've been hearing a lot are Miami & Pittsburgh. I just don't think it makes sense for [Miami's] timeline, whereas Pittsburgh... I think the timeline and the player just match up.”

— Mina Kimes, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Steelers will need to decide whether to pursue Malik Willis in free agency or look to re-sign the aging Aaron Rodgers for another season.

The takeaway

The Steelers are at a crossroads at the quarterback position, with the future of Aaron Rodgers uncertain. Signing the dynamic Malik Willis could be a smart move to transition the offense and give them a potential long-term solution under center.