Browns 'Will Inquire' About Projected $71 Million Quarterback

Cleveland is considering signing Malik Willis, a dual-threat QB with limited NFL experience but big potential.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns are among the teams interested in signing free agent quarterback Malik Willis, who is projected to command a hefty two-year, $71 million contract. Willis has shown promise in limited playing time with the Green Bay Packers over the past two seasons, but his high price tag and connection to the Browns' current QB Deshaun Watson could complicate a potential deal.

Why it matters

The Browns are in the market for a new starting quarterback after a disappointing 2025 season, and Willis' dual-threat abilities could fit well with the team's offensive coordinator Todd Monken. However, the team's salary cap constraints and Watson's presence on the roster may make signing Willis difficult.

The details

Willis was a third-round draft pick by the Titans in 2024 and spent his first two NFL seasons as a backup in Green Bay. In limited action, he has shown promise as a runner and passer, going 2-0 as a starter in 2024 and nearly leading an upset of the Ravens in 2025. His combination of arm strength and mobility has generated significant interest from QB-needy teams like the Browns, who see him as a potential long-term solution at the position.

  • In the 2024 season, Willis went 2-0 as a starter for the Packers, throwing for 324 yards and running for 122 yards.
  • In 2025, Willis started two games for the Packers, throwing for 409 yards and a touchdown.
  • The 2026 NFL offseason is when the Browns are expected to pursue Willis as a free agent.

The players

Malik Willis

A 24-year-old quarterback who has shown promise as a dual-threat option in limited NFL playing time with the Green Bay Packers over the past two seasons.

Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns' current starting quarterback, who shares an agent with Malik Willis, which could complicate the team's pursuit of Willis.

Todd Monken

The Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator, who is said to value dual-threat quarterbacks like Malik Willis.

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What they’re saying

“I think they will inquire about him. I think they will ask about him. I think they'll have a conversation about him …”

— Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com beat writer (Orange and Brown Talk podcast)

“I would be tossing my hat into the ring for Malik Willis because we know Todd Monken likes a dual-threat quarterback, and Malik Willis fits the bill. And now he has been around for a little while.”

— Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com beat writer (Orange and Brown Talk podcast)

What’s next

The Browns will need to weigh the potential upside of signing Malik Willis against the high price tag and the complications of having him on the same roster as Deshaun Watson, who shares an agent with Willis.

The takeaway

The Browns' pursuit of Malik Willis highlights the team's ongoing search for a long-term solution at quarterback, as well as the challenges of navigating the NFL's free agent market and salary cap constraints when trying to build a championship-caliber roster.