Packers Make a Move: Green Bay Acquires Malik Willis
As the NFL's 53-man roster deadline approaches, teams are actively fine-tuning their rosters. Among the notable moves, the Green Bay Packers have decided to acquire Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
The transaction was finalized with the Packers sending a 2025 seventh-round pick to Tennessee in exchange for Willis. Green Bay General Manager Brian Gutekunst pulled the trigger on this deal to enhance the depth of the Packers’ quarterback room. "Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," reported ESPN.
Willis, the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, joins the Packers with a résumé that includes 11 career games and three starts. While his stats from his rookie season may seem modest—550 passing yards, completing 35 of 66 attempts, three interceptions, and 144 rushing yards with a touchdown on 32 carries—his preseason performance has shown glimpses of potential. Willis registered a passer rating of 104.7, with 205 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while completing 20 of 27 passes (74.1%).
Building the Quarterback Room
With this acquisition, Willis will join a quarterback room already headlined by Jordan Love. Additionally, Sean Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, a 2024 seventh-round pick, are part of the lineup. This move adds another layer of competition and depth to a critical position for the Packers.
The Packers’ quarterback coach, Tom Clements, who has an established record of mentoring top-tier talent including Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love, will now work on integrating Willis into the team’s system. Clements’ experience will play a pivotal role in tapping into Willis’s potential and maximizing his contributions to the team.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Green Bay Packers’ decision to bring in Willis seems strategic, aimed at leveraging his dual-threat capabilities. For a team that has seen its share of quarterback transitions, having versatile options can be a significant advantage. Additionally, the minimal trade cost—a future seventh-round pick—makes this a low-risk, potentially high-reward move.
Adding to the competition, former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph also had an impressive preseason, completing 31 of 49 passes for 365 yards and a touchdown, culminating in a 92.6 passer rating. Such performances suggest that the Packers are positioning themselves strongly with multiple capable players in the quarterback slot.
It remains to be seen how head coach Matt LaFleur and his staff will handle this crowded quarterback room, but the infusion of young talent and experienced mentorship bodes well for the Green Bay Packers’ future. In an era where backup quarterbacks can shift the trajectory of a team's season, the value of depth cannot be overstated.
Next Steps
As the countdown to the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET continues, all eyes will be on how the Packers finalize their 53-man roster. The acquisition of Malik Willis adds an intriguing storyline to the mix for Green Bay. Given his potential and the guidance of an experienced coaching staff, Willis has an opportunity to develop his skills and possibly carve out a significant role.
Only time will tell if this young quarterback will rise to the occasion, but the Packers have made a calculated bet on his upside. The NFL is a league where fortunes can change swiftly, and for Green Bay, bolstering their quarterback options with Malik Willis could be a pivotal move as they look to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the upcoming season.