From Green Bay to the Steel City? Why Malik Willis Makes Sense for Pittsburgh

At some point, the Pittsburgh Steelers will need to prepare for a future in which veteran Aaron Rodgers either retires or signs elsewhere — with the Minnesota Vikings remaining a realistic possibility.

The good news is that Pittsburgh is not without options. They have second‑year quarterback Will Howard, whom new head coach Mike McCarthy has openly expressed excitement about developing. They could also explore this year’s quarterback class, where many have linked them to Alabama’s Ty Simpson. Another path would be to take a calculated swing on a young quarterback seeking a fresh start — someone with talent, upside, and untapped potential. A player who fits that description remarkably well is Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis.

Back in 2022, the Steelers under Mike Tomlin were highly interested in Willis, not only because of his arm strength and mobility but also due to the leadership he displayed throughout the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Pittsburgh ultimately selected Kenny Pickett in the first round, a decision that arguably set the franchise back at least two years.

To Willis’ credit, he has remained patient since entering the league. But since being traded to the Packers in 2024, he has shown flashes of a quarterback fully capable of starting. His strongest performance came in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens, when he totaled 348 yards and three touchdowns — one through the air and two on the ground.

This brings us back to the Steelers. New head coach. New staff. New offense. Would it make sense to hand the reins to a younger quarterback like Willis?

First, Pittsburgh has historically thrived when betting on raw, high‑ceiling talent, and Willis fits that profile. The physical traits that once made him a first‑round conversation piece remain intact, and after time in Green Bay’s system, he appears far more polished than he was coming out of Liberty. The Steelers would essentially be acquiring a quarterback who has already endured his early‑career growing pains but still carries the upside of a developmental swing.

From a schematic standpoint, Willis offers traits that could immediately expand McCarthy’s offense. His mobility forces defenses to account for the entire field, and his ability to extend plays would complement Pittsburgh’s young playmakers. A quarterback who can threaten defenses with both his arm and legs would finally give the Steelers the spacing and unpredictability they have lacked in recent seasons.

There is also a financial advantage. Willis would not command a contract that restricts roster flexibility, allowing Pittsburgh to invest in the offensive line, receiver depth, and defensive continuity. Instead of overpaying for average quarterback play, the Steelers could take an affordable, forward‑thinking gamble on a player whose best football may still be ahead of him — the type of move that could define the beginning of the McCarthy era.

The Steelers may choose to wait on Rodgers or give Howard an extended opportunity. Part of that hesitation may stem from anticipation of the potentially historic 2027 quarterback class. But as always, nothing is guaranteed. Investing in a player like Willis could not only help reestablish a winning offensive identity — it might finally deliver the franchise quarterback Pittsburgh has been searching for since Ben Roethlisberger.