If you ask a lot of people in the NFL, they would probably predict that Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis will end up signing with the Miami Dolphins.
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And that prediction makes sense, as there is a connection between Willis and Miami through new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, both of whom were with Willis in Green Bay.
However, Matthew Berry of NBC Sports is hearing something different. Willis is rumored to end up with the Arizona Cardinals in a deal that pays at least $30 million a year.
“Now everyone wants Malik Willis to go to the Miami Dolphins,” Berry said. “I heard no. I heard Malik Willis will get at least $30 million and will be the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.”
There is a loose connection between Willis and the Cardinals, as Mike LaFleur, the brother of Willis’ future former head coach Matt LaFleur, is now in charge in Arizona. We would assume that Matt would back up Willis to his brother.
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This isn’t the first time we’ve heard a rumor connecting Willis to the Cardinals.
Tony Pauline of Essential Sports reported earlier this week that Arizona is believed to be the most likely landing spot for the former third-round pick.
“People I’ve spoken to believe Willis will end up with the Arizona Cardinals as they are expected to cut ties with Kyler Murray,” Pauline reported.
As Pauline mentions in her report, the Cardinals are expected to have an opening at the quarterback position this offseason, with rumors suggesting they are going to cut ties with Murray, either via trade or release.
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The Cardinals would then stick with Jacoby Brissett under center, and while he was good last season, he doesn’t offer long-term upside like Willis does.
We should have our answer on where Willis ends up within a few weeks, as the legal tampering period begins March 9 and the official start of free agency is March 11.