Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. Today's installment covers:
But first, a look at three ideal fits for an intriguing market-bound QB ...
Malik Willis will be a compelling figure to track as he moves through free agency.
As the backup to Jordan Love in Green Bay over the past two seasons, Willis posted a 134.6 passer rating while completing 78.7 percent of his passes for 972 yards and six touchdowns, with zero interceptions. He also ran for 241 yards on 42 carries (6.2 yards per attempt), tallying three more scores on the ground. And now, with his rookie contract having run out, any QB-needy team out there is about to have a chance to sign him.
It's true that lavishing a megabucks contract on a QB with just six career starts under his belt (three with the Packers) will make some owners squeamish. And, yes, the former third-rounder was labeled a bust by many onlookers after compiling a 49.4 passer rating, with a 53 percent completion rate and a 0:3 TD-to-INT ratio, in 11 games over two seasons with Tennessee. But he's significantly improved since that lackluster run, showing himself to be a dynamic quarterback who can make plays inside and outside of the pocket with his mobility.
I studied the tape from 2024 and 2025, and Willis looked nothing like the overwhelmed player who struggled mightily as a young starter for the Titans. He played with outstanding composure and poise, relying on his stellar supporting cast to make plays on pinpoint throws as part of an extensive catch-and-run passing-concept menu. Additionally, the 6-foot-1, 225-pounder tormented defenses with his playmaking ability as a dual-threat quarterback. Willis' splash plays on designed quarterback runs and impromptu scrambles kept defenders guessing, while adding an extra dimension to the Packers' offense.
Given the way the young quarterback flourished whenever he stepped onto the field in green and gold, the fascination with Willis' potential as a full-time starter has reached a crescendo, with free agency set to begin on Wednesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. After taking some time to assess the quarterback market and which teams would best fit the mobile playmaker's talents, here are three enticing options for the quarterback who sits atop Gregg Rosenthal's ranking of 101 best free agents of 2026:
New coach Mike LaFleur could borrow the blueprint that his brother, Packers coach Matt LaFleur, used to help Willis play like a franchise QB, ensuring he is able to operate fast and free within the pocket. Given the weapons already on the roster in Arizona (Trey McBride, Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr.), putting a dynamic QB at the helm could really jump-start this attack. Thanks to the presumed familiarity between the quarterback and the play-caller, along with the connection between Willis and general manager Monti Ossenfort (who was serving as the Titans' director of player personnel when Willis was drafted by Tennessee), the Cardinals appear to be the perfect match as they seek a long-term replacement for outgoing QB Kyler Murray.
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley both were in Green Bay during the entirety of Willis' time there, which should ease his potential transition to QB1 in South Florida. The Dolphins' brain trust knows the boundaries of the young quarterback's game, and they can collectively build a team around him that accentuates his strengths. Additionally, while serving as the Packers' defensive coordinator, Hafley saw what Willis could do up close on the practice field; that knowledge should help the Dolphins construct a playbook that can counter the tactics designed to stop mobile quarterbacks. With the Dolphins committed to a long-term rebuilding plan as they move on from Tua Tagovailoa, Willis could join forces with some familiar faces to bring the franchise back to prominence while growing into his role as a QB1.
If the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers decided not to reunite for 2026, the stable nature of the franchise and the presence of Mike McCarthy should make the Steel City into an appealing landing spot for Willis. The one-time Super Bowl-winning head coach has a strong track record of quarterback development, with Rodgers and Dak Prescott benefiting from his tutelage and game-planning over the years. McCarthy's success as a quarterback guru could help the inexperienced Willis eventually transition from game manager to playmaker. Moreover, the marriage between the quarterback and play-caller could help the offensive lineup produce more fireworks, with DK Metcalf installed as the centerpiece.
Five potential free agency sleepers
The open market will feature a deep pool of talent beyond Willis -- to the point that it feels like a number of useful players are getting lost in the shuffle. With that in mind, I wanted to spotlight five potential sleepers in this free agency cycle (with player ages listed as of Sept. 7):
Rosenthal's ranking: No. 31
The former first-rounder has quietly developed into a disruptive force off the edge. Since 2024, Chassion has amassed 12.5 sacks, 26 quarterback hits and three forced fumbles, exhibiting a combination of speed, quickness and power that overwhelms blockers at the point of attack. Additionally, the seventh-year pro showed the football world he has potential as a closer, generating three sacks, 10 quarterback hits and a forced fumble during the Patriots' unexpected run to Super Bowl LX. Given his impact and continued development as a pass rusher and playmaker, Chassion looks like one of the possible gems on the free-agent market.
Rosenthal's ranking: No. 17
After being underutilized as the second tight end in the Ravens' offense, Likely could emerge as a star for another franchise. The 6-4, 245-pounder is a mismatch creator with the speed, quickness and athleticism to give linebackers and safeties problems in space. As an increasing number of teams incorporate more 12 and 13 personnel packages with two or three tight ends on the field, the ultra-athletic pass catcher (15 career touchdowns and 75 first downs in 63 career games) could pique scouts' interest, despite a disappointing 2025 campaign (307 yards and a score on 27 grabs).
Rosenthal's ranking: No. 43
Though he has yet to notch a 1,000-yard season as he enters Year 6 in the NFL, Jennings should command plenty of attention as a potential WR2. The 6-3, 212-pounder has flourished in his role as a complementary weapon in a 49ers offense that is built around the playmaking talents of Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. Over the past two seasons, Jennings tallied 15 receiving touchdowns, 132 catches and 1,618 yards, pacing all San Francisco wide receivers in all three categories in that span. He should be on the radar of anyone seeking an effective perimeter option.
Rosenthal's ranking: No. 69
After failing to make his mark with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-2022) and Seattle Seahawks (2023), the former top-10 pick started to flash the playmaking ability in Cleveland that made him a hot commodity in the 2019 NFL Draft. Bush’s instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills, combined with his freakish athleticism, enabled him to total 125 tackles and three interceptions, including a pair of pick-sixes, in Jim Schwartz's defense in 2025. With Bush coming off his second straight season with outstanding production as an impact playmaker (15 tackles for loss, three sacks, and four turnovers since 2024), the veteran could find a robust market in free agency entering Year 8.
Rosenthal's ranking: No. 98
Entering his fifth NFL season, Allgeier should land an RB1 job as a free agent after teasing the football world with his talents as Bijan Robinson’s backup. Allgeier has already shown lead-back ability, putting together a 1,000-yard campaign in his 2022 rookie campaign before settling into his role as an RB2 behind an All-Pro talent. As a rugged rusher who specializes in running through contact in the hole, the 5-10, 225-pounder is built to play in a power scheme that prominently features downhill runs on the call sheet. Based on his prior success when given a heavy workload, Allgeier could re-emerge as a 1,000-yard back with a new team in 2026.
