QB Malik Willis turns down a massive $71 million contract to stay with the Packers, pledging lifelong loyalty to Green Bay

Green Bay, Wisconsin – In an NFL where money often dictates the direction of a career, Malik Willis has just delivered a major shock. The backup quarterback of the Green Bay Packers flatly rejected a combined $71 million from the Miami Dolphins and the Arizona Cardinals, choosing to stay for one reason only: loyalty and legacy.

That decision came after a season in which Willis was no longer just a “fill-in.” When Jordan Love was sidelined, Willis stepped into the starting lineup and made a clear impact. He accounted for five total touchdowns, delivered highly efficient passing stretches – highlighted by late-season games completing 27 of 32 passes – and helped the Packers go 2–1 in games he started.

Those performances quickly led experts to view Willis as a legitimate potential starter. His mobility combined with accuracy in the pocket convinced many teams he was ready to run a complete offense. Sources such as Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated projected Willis could command a deal worth $12–20 million per year if he hit the open market.

As a result, strong offers from the Dolphins and Cardinals came as no surprise. On the other side, Green Bay was also believed to be considering options such as using the franchise tag and trading him for a high draft pick, possibly as high as a third-rounder. But Willis rejected every scenario with a message rarely seen in the modern NFL.

“I didn’t come to Green Bay to take the easiest path,” Willis said. “I came here to be part of something bigger than myself. The legacy, the culture, and the trust inside this locker room are worth more than any number.” Those words quickly spread, igniting emotion throughout the Packers community.

Inside the organization, Willis’ decision is viewed as a cultural jolt. Teammates praised his commitment, while coaches emphasized the importance of stability at the backup quarterback position – a role that rarely receives the spotlight. With Love established as the franchise quarterback, keeping a high-level insurance option carries long-term strategic value.

Willis fully understands he could pursue a starting opportunity elsewhere. Instead, he chose the harder road: staying, competing, and being ready whenever the team needs him. In a league often defined by contracts and timelines, Malik Willis’ decision reminds the NFL that sometimes, legacy and loyalty still outweigh any deal.