Super Bowl LIII champion – former Patriots star and 5x Pro Bowler sends Detroit into a frenzy after responding to fans urging him to join the Lions with a single cryptic emoji

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – January 2026 In a stunning move, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially signed Malik Willis, former quarterback of the Green Bay Packers and long-time friend of Aaron Rodgers, to a $20 million contract, making him the heir apparent to the legendary Steelers quarterback position. Willis, who spent the early years of his career with the Tennessee Titans before learning under Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love in Green Bay, will now embark on a new chapter with the Steelers. This signing marks the beginning of a new era for Pittsburgh, who has been searching for a successor to Ben Roethlisberger, the face of the franchise for nearly two decades. This move was initially reported by ESPN and later confirmed by the Steelers. Despite facing challenges during his early years with the Titans, Willis’ development under the Packers coaching staff has made a strong impression across the NFL. Known for his powerful arm and mobility, Willis is poised to take over the Steelers’ offense, bringing a fresh dynamic to a team eager to return to championship contention. This signing also ties into the close relationship Willis has with Aaron Rodgers, who has played a significant role in his career. Rodgers, a former Steelers nemesis, has been a mentor and friend to Willis throughout his journey. The Steelers had long been rumored to be interested in Willis, and their decision to sign him is not just a strategic move but a connection to a close friend of Rodgers. “I’m here to fulfill the promise left unfinished by my best friend,” Willis said in his introductory press conference. “I will give everything I have to bring victories and championships to Pittsburgh, not just to please the team but to honor the values he always believed in. Steelers will always be my family, and I will never let this team down.” For the Steelers, signing Malik Willis is not just about replacing a quarterback — it’s a strategic move to refresh the team and prepare for the next generation of Steelers football. Willis, with his mobility and leadership, is the perfect fit for Mike McCarthy’s West Coast offense, a system that emphasizes quick decision-making, accurate passing, and versatility. The $20 million deal is now nearing its final stages, and Willis is set to officially become part of the Steelers, marking a key step in the team’s rebuilding efforts. This is a bold and calculated move, and Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Willis can live up to the high expectations placed on him.