Steelers tipped as perfect match for Packers QB amid uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers future

A surprising name is being linked with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis is expected to be a hot-commodity this offseason and one of the NFL’s most sought-after free agents.

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He has already been linked to reunite with Jeff Hafley, who is the new Miami Dolphins’ head coach.

Willis quickly became a fan favorite in Green Bay after stepping in for Jordan Love at various times across the past two seasons, showcasing high-level play and athleticism whenever he’s been called upon.

However, Green Bay can’t bring Willis back next season because they can’t afford to pay him a starting quarterback’s salary given their financial commitment to Love.

That means he’s set to hit the open market with various suitors all likely to give him a handsome payday.

NFL insider names Steelers as ideal Willis destination

As the Packers’ go to when Love was injured, Willis posted an eye-popping efficiency, including making NFL history against the Baltimore Ravens.

In the start against Baltimore, he completed 85.6 percent of his passes, while rushing for 60 yards and two touchdowns.

Willis fits multiple teams’ needs, however, ESPN analyst Mina Kimes believes it is Pittsburgh where Willis will land next.

“Two of the teams I’ve been hearing a lot about are Miami [and] Pittsburgh,” Kimes said, per SleeperNFL on X.

“I just don’t think it makes sense for [Miami’s] timeline, whereas Pittsburgh … I think the timeline and the player just match up.”

There is no doubt that the Steelers have a ton of holes on their roster.

But the underlying question remains: are they a quarterback away from Super Bowl contention?

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They did win the AFC North in 2025, but it was less about them being great and more about their entire division imploding due to injuries and poor form.

Despite that, the Steelers stilll nearly missed the postseason, getting bailed out by a missed field goal in the final seconds of the regular season.

They clinched the division, but were soundly defeated in their home stadium by the Houston Texans before long-time head coach Mike Tomlin departed the team.

Steelers in quarterback dilemma following Aaron Rodgers hint

Aaron Rodgers has yet to commit to his future in the NFL.

The 42-year-old spent the 2025 season with the Steelers, leading them to the aforementioned AFC Wild Card exit.

Rodgers saw marked improvements from his 2024 statistics with the New York Jets, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns to just seven interceptions.

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All signs pointed to him wanting to run it back with the Steelers, but now, that appears it may not be the case.

According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Aditi Kinkhabwala, people around Rodgers believe there is a minuscule chance he returns to Pittsburgh, not because it’s a franchise decision, but because it’s a personal one.

With Rodgers no longer the clear favorite to start under center for Pittsburgh, many are calling for Willis to get the gig in what will be his fifth NFL season.

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