While Pittsburgh Steelers nation flocked to watch the Packers and Ravens on Saturday night, the hope was that Green Bay would beat Baltimore. If that had happened, Pittsburgh would be playoff-bound without having to lift another finger.
While the Packers came up short, the game did give us one exciting storyline to follow. It could have major ramifications for the future of this team.
The Steelers could have just found their next quarterback in Malik Willis.
Willis is a familiar name for even casual Steelers fans. When he came out for the draft a few seasons ago, he was heavily linked to Pittsburgh. Frankly, it felt like a coin flip between Willis and Kenny Pickett as to who would end up being the top pick.
As we know, Pickett joined the Steelers (and floundered here) while Willis had to wait until the third round to hear his name called. He equally struggled in Tennessee but has found a home as a backup in Green Bay.
Getting the nod against the Ravens, Willis had another opportunity to flash the traits that made him a top prospect just a few seasons ago. A free agent in 2026, the Steelers could have their next quarterback reclamation project.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could finally add Malik Willis to their roster
Pittsburgh is known for a couple of trends that make Willis a natural fit. For starters, the Steelers love to circle back to players that they showed pre-draft interest in. Willis certainly fits that bill.
Pittsburgh has also been open about wanting a quarterback with some athleticism on the roster. While that isn’t the current case with Aaron Rodgers, it was a huge reason Justin Fields was added just two seasons ago. It was also the reason that the Steelers wanted him back last year.
Willis checks off all of those boxes, and he also presents the opportunity to land a potential turnaround project. We’ve seen it recently with Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Geno Smith. They were all players cast off early in their careers, but found the right home and caught lightning in a bottle.
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Willis could be the next in line to make some noise. He certainly looked the part against the Ravens. He totaled nearly 350 total yards and three scores.
He had success on the ground, but that wasn’t his only redeeming trait. He utilized his athleticism but didn’t use it as a crutch.
Through the air, he only threw three incomplete passes. He wasn’t just a game manager either. He found success vertically and deep at times. It was a great showing for the young quarterback.
Had their defense been able to stop Derrick Henry, this game likely ends differently.
While Rodgers seems like plan A for the Steelers, there are a lot of unknowns with him returning for another season. With the draft options thinning out, Willis could quickly make himself a desirable target.
There is no guarantee that Willis becomes the next success story, but I would be all for him getting his next shot in Pittsburgh. He looked great against the Ravens, and he could turn into a free agent target for the Steelers next Spring.