Malik Willis has become one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in the NFL thanks to his unique athletic ability, exciting dual-threat playstyle, and evolving professional journey. From his college success to his draft day moment and current NFL contract, here’s everything you need to know about Malik Willis.
Who Is Malik Willis?
Malik Antonio Willis is an American football quarterback known for his dynamic playing style, combining powerful arm strength with elite mobility. Born on May 25, 1999, Willis emerged as a standout high school athlete from Roswell High School in Georgia, where he displayed early promise as a prolific passer and runner.
Standing at 6′1″ and around 220–225 lbs, Willis attracted attention from major college programs due to his rare blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability.
College Career: Auburn to Liberty
Willis began his collegiate career at Auburn University, where he played in 15 games over the 2017 and 2018 seasons. However, limited playing time led him to transfer to Liberty University in 2019, where he became a breakout star.
At Liberty, Willis delivered electrifying performances, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities by throwing for significant yardage and scoring numerous rushing touchdowns. His success as a starter solidified his reputation as a top quarterback prospect ahead of the NFL Draft.
NFL Draft Pick: 2022 Breakthrough
In the 2022 NFL Draft, Malik Willis was selected in the third round as the 86th overall pick by the Tennessee Titans. This selection surprised many analysts, as some earlier projections had tied him to higher draft positions due to his athletic traits.
While not taken in the first round, the Titans saw potential in his arm talent and playmaking upside, investing a draft pick in a quarterback who could become a franchise starter with development.
Professional Career Highlights
After being drafted, Willis signed his rookie contract and began his NFL journey with the Titans. He made his first NFL appearance in Week 2 of his rookie year, showcasing flashes of his rushing potential and adaptability.
In 2024, Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers, where he took on duties as a backup quarterback and delivered key performances when called upon. His progression with the Packers highlighted his ability to lead scoring drives and contribute both through the air and on the ground.
Contract & Salary Details
Rookie Contract
Malik Willis signed a four-year rookie contract with the Tennessee Titans after being drafted in 2022. The deal was worth $5,160,100 in total and included a signing bonus of $932,800.
Under this contract:
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Average Annual Salary: ~$1.29 million
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Fully Guaranteed at Signing: $932,800
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Contract Duration: 2022 through 2025 NFL seasons
This type of rookie deal reflects the NFL’s structured CBA rules, where quarterback contracts are largely driven by draft position and rookie scale rules.
Salary Breakdown (By Year)
| Year | Base Salary | Cap Hit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ~$705,000 | ~$938,200 | Includes prorated signing bonus |
| 2023 | ~$939,550 | ~$1,172,750 | — |
| 2024 | ~$985,000 | ~$985,000 | — |
| 2025 | ~$1,100,000 | ~$1,408,650 | — |
As of 2025, Willis’s salary and cap hit place him in the mid-range among NFL quarterbacks, especially for a player who has served as both a backup and spot starter.
Net Worth & Financial Outlook
Malik Willis’s career earnings through the duration of his rookie deal are estimated to reach around $5 million+ by 2025, combining base salaries and bonuses. Some financial sources estimate his net worth around $5–$5.3 million thanks to NFL salary earnings and additional endorsements.
While rookie contracts are modest compared to top veteran quarterback deals, Willis has the opportunity to earn significantly more if he secures a starting role and negotiates a lucrative extension or free-agent contract in the future.
Conclusion
Malik Willis’s journey from high school standout to Liberty breakout star and then to an NFL quarterback displays resilience and potential. Despite being a third-round draft pick, he has carved out a meaningful professional trajectory, showcasing flashes of his athleticism and playmaking ability.
With a multi-year NFL contract and continued development, Willis remains a name NFL fans and analysts will watch closely — especially as he seeks to secure a long-term role as a starting quarterback.
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