Analyst Provides Valuable Insight As Malik Willis Needs To Choose Pittsburgh: "Steelers Make More Sense"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a spot that the franchise has grown familiar with over the last few years as there are a ton of questions surrounding the quarterback position. A different player has started at the position in Week 1 for Pittsburgh in each of the last five seasons, and there is a chance that the trend will continue in 2026. Aaron Rodgers could return on a one-year deal, but the four-time league MVP is contemplating retirement. A decision from him is expected in the near future, before free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.

Regardless of what Rodgers decides to do in 2026, Pittsburgh needs to find a long-term solution at quarterback. That could be Will Howard, but that seems like a longshot. The franchise isn't in a spot to land a potential franchise quarterback through the 2026 draft either, so free agency is a place to look. Malik Willis is the crowned jewel of the quarterback class in free agency this year, and he should command a decent amount of money. It would be a bit of a gamble bringing him in to be the starter due to his lack of experience, but he has shown a ton of potential. 

ESPN analyst Mina Kimes recently spoke on her podcast, The Mina Kimes Show, and she talked about why Willis should choose to go to Pittsburgh.

"I think the Steelers' run game was actually decent last year," Kimes said. "It would be even better with Willis. And he throws a gorgeous deep ball and [DK] Metcalf is right there. You have an ascending, you know, a lot of good players on the offensive line, they obviously need another receiver and what not, but Metcalf to me is such a good fit with his style. I think a Pittsburgh team with Malik Willis is intriguing. I get why other teams would be interested, but if I'm Willis, the Steelers to me make more sense than those other teams if you want to go have a chance to win."

There is an obvious connection for Willis with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. He has spent the last two seasons with the Green Bay Packers, and Miami hired its new general manager and head coach from Green Bay. That will be some competition for Pittsburgh if the organization decides it wants to take a shot at Willis, while other teams might include the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, or Arizona Cardinals.

Willis started his career with the Tennessee Titans after being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. There was a lot of chatter about the Steelers potentially taking him with the 20th overall pick that year, but the organization decided to go with Kenny Pickett. Willis had it rough in Tennessee, and he was eventually traded to the Packers. Over the last two seasons however, he has filled in nicely for Jordan Love, which is a big reason why another team will likely take a chance on him as a starter in 2026.

Kimes believes Willis should choose to go to Pittsburgh, and that would be a wise decision for the quarterback. The franchise is bound to draft a talented wide receiver early on in the 2026 NFL Draft, and DK Metcalf is a friendly target to throw to as a relatively inexperienced quarterback in Willis. New head coach Mike McCarthy is also known for his ability to work with and develop quarterbacks.

Steelers Will Be Taking A Risk Pursuing Malik Willis

Willis is expected to command a contract that is in the realm of what Justin Fields signed for during the 2025 offseason with the Jets. That deal was for two years and it was worth $40 million, with $30 million guaranteed. That's a ton of money to commit to a player like Willis who only has 155 pass attempts throughout his career, and it would be a major risk. The price could even grow higher as more teams get involved.

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