Malik Willis Joins Packers Ahead of 53-Man Roster Deadline
As the countdown to the NFL's 53-man roster deadline intensifies, the Green Bay Packers have made a notable move by acquiring quarterback Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans. The Packers secured Willis in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, a strategic decision that adds depth to their quarterback lineup.
Willis, who was the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings with him a wealth of potential and some NFL experience. His career statistics include appearances in 11 games with three starts, during which he passed for 550 yards and three interceptions, completing 35 of 66 attempts. On the ground, Willis has proven to be a dual-threat with 144 rushing yards and a touchdown on 32 carries.
In the recent preseason, Willis showcased significant improvement, achieving a 104.7 passer rating. He threw for 205 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, completing 20 of 27 passes—an impressive 74.1% completion rate. This performance may have caught the eye of Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst, who is keen on bolstering the quarterback room.
"Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," reported ESPN, highlighting the cost-effective nature of this acquisition for the Packers.
With Willis in the fold, the Packers have added intriguing potential to a quarterback group that already includes a mix of talent and experience. Sean Clifford, picked in the fifth round of the 2023 draft, and Michael Pratt, a seventh-round pick for 2024, will join Willis under the tutelage of quarterbacks coach Tom Clements. Clements brings an esteemed history, having previously coached legends like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love.
The Packers' move to acquire Willis signals their intent to explore different options and build a robust backup plan for their quarterback position. Former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph also remains an option, having accumulated 365 yards and a touchdown on 31 of 49 passing (63.3%) for a 92.6 passer rating during the preseason.
This proactive approach by the Packers' management underscores their commitment to ensuring depth and readiness at the critical quarterback position, particularly as they navigate the strategic roster cuts required by the league. As the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday approaches, Green Bay’s calculated decision-making could position them well for the upcoming season, with Malik Willis presenting an exciting new chapter in their evolving roster.