The Indianapolis Colts are still unsure of what direction they will go at quarterback in 2026. With Daniel Jones coming off the Achilles injury and questions surrounding Anthony Richardson, the Colts could turn to a former third-rounder. Former Tennessee Titan and current Green Bay Packer quarterback Malik Willis could be an option for the Colts next season. Willis, who never really got a shot in Tennessee, has played well for the Packers when called upon. Willis is set to become a free agent in March. Why could Willis be a solid option for Indianapolis?
Early-Round Talent
Malik Willis was drafted in the third round in 2022 by the Tennessee Titans. Willis is known to be a great dual-threat option at the position. His legs give him the ability to rush for high numbers of yards, and his arm talent gives him the ability to make any throw. He also has high awareness in his pre-snap progressions as well. He was ranked as the second-best quarterback in the 2022 class, with having comparisons to Eagles star Jalen Hurts. With these qualities, Malik Willis could be a valuable and cheap option for the Colts in 2026. But will his talents translate to the Indianapolis offense?
Conducting the Offense
Willis has shown success playing in the Green Bay offense. The Packers run a high volume of RPO and play action with their offense. While Willis hasn’t started many games with the Packers, in the games he has started, the Packers have gone 2-0. Including beating the Colts in Week 2 of the 2024 season. His career totals with the Packers are 10 games played with 885 total yards, six total touchdowns, and an 85.0 QBR.
While there is nothing eye-popping about his numbers from the last two years, he has shown consistency, which is difficult considering he has been the backup behind Jordan Love most of his time in Green Bay. However, Willis’s draft profile describes him as becoming a solid starter in the league after two seasons. With 2026 being his 4th season and a free agency year, Willis will be looking to find a place to become the starter. The Colts and Malik Willis could form the perfect partnership, as the Colts’ offense is heavily based on the RPO and play-action game as well. It is fair to believe that Willis could thrive just as Daniel Jones did in this offense. Willis has the mobility, arm, and IQ to run the Indy offense just as efficiently as Jones did in 2025.
Young Competition
Coming into the 2025 season, the Colts wanted competition for young quarterback Anthony Richardson. Malik Willis could also provide the Colts with that. It is worth noting that Richardson and Willis share some of the same strengths. Firstly, they both have the arm talent to make any throw on the field. They also share the ability to use their legs to make plays outside the pocket. However, Willis could outplay Richardson when it comes to managing the offense pre-snap.
Undoubtedly, if the Colts are looking to find a young answer for their franchise quarterback, Malik Willis vs. Anthony Richardson could fare well, especially since the Colts are without their next two first-round picks. Willis can give the Colts stability, and he could be cheaper than Richardson. Richardson is owed close to $10 million next season, whereas Willis could be in the $5-$8 million range. All in all, it could be a stretch for the Colts to take a shot on Malik Willis. However, with the state of their quarterback room in the last few years, it wouldn’t hurt to at least take a flyer.
The post Former Third-Round QB Could Be Colts Option for 2026 appeared first on Last Word on NFL.