Browns Rumors on Potential Malik Willis Contract in NFL FA Despite Shedeur Sanders, Gabriel Picks

Quarterback Malik Willis, one of the top free agent quarterbacks on the market this year, has been linked to the Cleveland Browns recently, but some reportedly are questioning that landing spot.

Per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, league sources have expressed "skepticism" over Willis signing with the Browns because he has the same agent as Deshaun Watson, who is looking to serve as Cleveland's starter after missing the entire 2025 campaign.

Willis, a third-round pick in 2022, struggled during his time with the Tennessee but has proved to be a reliable backup for the Green Bay Packers over the last two years. In 11 appearances, he's thrown for 972 yards and six touchdowns with a 78.8 completion percentage.

Despite the Browns drafting both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders last year, plus having Watson on the roster, Willis was a popular candidate to possibly head to Cleveland this offseason.

Now, however, it seems the Browns may not be considering him. Along with Oyefusi's report, ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler noted that "it doesn't seem likely that Willis will end up in Cleveland."

While the Browns might not be the team for him, Willis will almost certainly land a big pay day from whoever he signs with. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported last week that it's a "foregone conclusion" he could get $30 million or more annually.