Malik Willis reaches agreement with NFC West bottom-ranked team for $30M salary - both sides are finalizing signing date.

Phoenix, Arizona — The Arizona Cardinals are closing in on a major deal with quarterback Malik Willis, signaling a potential shift in their offensive strategy for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. According to sources, the two sides are on the verge of finalizing an agreement, with reports suggesting Willis is set to sign a contract worth approximately $30 million per year.

Malik Willis’ Impressive 2025 Campaign

Willis, who will become a free agent after the 2025 season, is coming off a standout performance as the backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. When Jordan Love went down with an injury, Willis stepped up and showcased his skills, starting several games and leading the Packers into playoff contention. His ability to perform under pressure has made him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2026 free-agent market.

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All signs lead to #Packers Malik Willis signing with the #Cardinals He wants 30M/year and Arizona is prepared to give it to him

Cardinals fans, how you feel about this? pic.twitter.com/ZY4ezCErS9

— FadeOrFlex (@FadeOrFlex25) March 3, 2026

Despite not receiving a contract extension or tender from the Packers, Willis' stock has risen significantly. The quarterback market for 2026 is heating up, with several teams in need of either a starter or an experienced backup. The Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons are all reportedly interested in Willis, highlighting his potential value to any team looking for a dynamic playmaker at the quarterback position.

Cardinals’ $30M Offer and Potential Kyler Murray Trade

Rumors surrounding Willis’ potential move to the Cardinals have been circulating for weeks. Matthew Berry and Jordan Schultz have both hinted at the possibility, with Schultz even suggesting that the deal could be for $30 million per year. Berry further confirmed the speculation, saying, “I heard Malik Willis gets around $30M to be the QB for the Arizona Cardinals.”

The Cardinals have a significant amount of cap space — estimated between $30 million to $32 million — and are in a position to make a major investment in their quarterback position. With Kyler Murray’s future in Arizona uncertain, including rumors of a potential trade or release, the team is looking to turn the page and bring in a fresh face at the helm of their offense.

Additionally, with Mike LaFleur joining as the Cardinals’ new offensive coordinator (and brother of former Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who previously worked with Willis in Green Bay), Willis could find a natural fit in the Cardinals’ system. LaFleur’s offensive philosophy aligns well with Willis’ skill set, making Arizona an ideal landing spot for the 24-year-old quarterback.

What This Means for Willis’ Career and the Cardinals

For Malik Willis, this deal would represent a significant step in his career. After a promising start in Green Bay, the move to Arizona would give him an opportunity to be the starting quarterback on a team with a lot of potential, especially with LaFleur’s system in place. The $30 million per year salary would solidify his place as a cornerstone for the future of the Cardinals.

For the Arizona Cardinals, bringing in Willis would give the team a dynamic, mobile quarterback with the ability to make big plays both in the air and on the ground. His addition would provide a boost to an offense that has struggled in recent seasons. The decision to move on from Kyler Murray, if it happens, would mark the end of an era for the Cardinals, but also signal a new beginning with Willis as the centerpiece.

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Arizona, where the deal with Willis appears to be nearing completion. With $30 million per year on the table, Willis has the opportunity to become the leader the Cardinals need to get back into playoff contention and beyond.

Final Thoughts

Malik Willis' impending move to the Arizona Cardinals could be one of the most exciting stories of the offseason. Whether he stays in Green Bay or heads to a new team, his future in the NFL is bright, and the Cardinals may very well be the team to benefit from his potential. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting the official signing, which could come sooner rather than later as the new league year approaches.