The countdown to the NFL's 53-man roster deadline is ticking, and teams are already making strategic moves ahead of the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Notably, the Green Bay Packers have chosen to shake up their quarterback room by acquiring Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
Willis, who was the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is being brought into the Packers' fold for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick, a transaction that could have intriguing implications for both teams involved.
Willis's Career So Far
Having played in 11 career games, including three starts, Willis has demonstrated his potential in both the passing and rushing game. He has passed for 550 yards with three interceptions, completing 35 of 66 attempts. Additionally, his mobility has been a noteworthy asset; he has run for 144 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries. This dual-threat ability is something that the Packers could find beneficial as they seek to bolster their quarterback depth.
Preseason Performance
In the preseason, Willis exhibited a marked improvement with a passer rating of 104.7. He threw for 205 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Impressively, he completed 20 of 27 passes (74.1%), indicating a high level of efficiency and accuracy that could bode well for his future prospects with the Packers.
As Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst brings Willis into the fold, the quarterback situation in Green Bay becomes a point of keen interest. Alongside Willis, the quarterback room includes Sean Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, a 2024 seventh-round pick. The presence of former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, who had a strong preseason performance with 365 yards and a touchdown on 31 of 49 passing (63.3%), further deepens this already competitive environment.
Coaching Expertise
Tom Clements, the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers, will be integral in developing Willis. Clements brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached NFL greats like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. This pedigree suggests that Willis will be in capable hands as he navigates his transition to Green Bay.
Strategic Acquisition
The decision to acquire Willis is seen as a strategic move by the Packers. "Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," according to ESPN. This trade not only adds depth to the Packers' quarterback room but also provides Willis with an opportunity for a fresh start and a platform to prove his potential.
As the Packers prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of Willis into their game plan will be closely watched. With roster cuts looming and preseason performances at the forefront of evaluation, this acquisition signals Green Bay’s commitment to reinforcing their squad and exploring various talent options to optimize their performance on the field.