The clock is running down to the NFL's 53-man roster deadline, and several teams are already making strategic moves ahead of the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Interestingly, the Green Bay Packers have made headlines with a decision that could shape their future quarterback situation: they’ve acquired Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
Willis was the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, bringing with him a mix of potential and raw talent. In his stint with the Titans, he played in 11 career games, including three starts. During this period, Willis passed for 550 yards with three interceptions, completing 35 of his 66 attempts. On the ground, he managed to run for 144 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries.
What pushed the Packers to bring Willis into the fold? His preseason performance offers some insight. Willis had a passer rating of 104.7, with 205 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, completing 20 of his 27 attempts (an impressive 74.1% completion rate). Such a display likely caught the eye of Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst and led to the decision to swap a 2025 seventh-round pick for the young quarterback.
Strengthening the Quarterback Room
By adding Willis, the Packers are fortifying their quarterback lineup. Sean Clifford, the 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, the 2024 seventh-round pick, are part of the future talent pool that Green Bay is developing. Additionally, former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph showed promise in the preseason, throwing for 365 yards and a touchdown on 31 of 49 passing (63.3%), resulting in a 92.6 passer rating.
Green Bay’s quarterback room also benefits from the seasoned guidance of quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, who has a stellar coaching pedigree, having mentored NFL legends like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love.
A Calculated Move
The Packers' decision to acquire Willis can be seen as a calculated move to ensure depth and versatility at the quarterback position. "Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," an ESPN source confirmed. The investment is relatively low-risk but potentially high-reward, considering Willis’s demonstrated skills and room for growth.
While last season’s stats might not paint the full picture of Willis's capabilities, his preseason performances suggest he has significant upside. For Green Bay, this acquisition is about looking forward and building a robust team capable of adapting to the rigors of the NFL season.
Final Thoughts
The broader implications of this trade will unfold as the season progresses. With the combination of Willis’s raw talent, Clifford’s potential, and the mentorship that Clements provides, the Packers are setting up a quarterback room that could transition smoothly through current and future seasons. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how this blend of experience and burgeoning talent plays out on the field.