The countdown to the NFL's 53-man roster deadline is ticking, and teams are already making notable moves ahead of the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. One of the most intriguing developments comes from the Green Bay Packers, who have opted to acquire Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
Green Bay's Strategic Addition
In a calculated move, the Packers are bringing Willis into their quarterback room in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. ESPN reports, "Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick." This acquisition adds depth and potential to Green Bay's quarterback roster, featuring a player who has already shown promise in his young career.
Malik Willis: A Quick Career Recap
Malik Willis, the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has had limited but notable experience in the NFL. Over 11 career games, including three starts, Willis has passed for 550 yards and three interceptions, completing 35 of 66 attempts. Additionally, he has demonstrated his dual-threat capability by running for 144 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries.
Promising Preseason Performance
Willis's preseason performance for the Titans highlighted his potential further. He posted a 104.7 passer rating with 205 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He completed 20 of 27 passes (74.1%), showcasing accuracy and efficiency in limited action. These preseason stats likely contributed to Green Bay's decision to bring him on board.
A New Dynamic in Green Bay
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst is set to integrate Willis into a quarterback room that already includes Sean Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, a 2024 seventh-round pick. This diverse group will be under the guidance of Tom Clements, the Packers’ quarterbacks coach. Clements, a seasoned coach, has previously worked with legendary quarterbacks such as Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love.
Adding Willis to this mix provides Green Bay with an intriguing prospect who can potentially develop into a significant asset under Clements’s tutelage. Given Clements’s track record with developing top-tier quarterbacks, this could be a beneficial environment for Willis to refine his skills and adapt to Green Bay's system.
Packers' Preseason QB Performances
Other quarterbacks in the Packers roster have also shown inspiring preseason performances. Former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, for instance, recorded 365 yards and a touchdown on 31 of 49 passing (63.3%), resulting in a 92.6 passer rating. These solid numbers indicate a competitive atmosphere within the Packers' quarterback room, which could be advantageous for Willis as he joins the team.
With the roster cutdown day approaching, the Packers’ move to acquire Willis demonstrates their proactive approach to building a robust team. By bringing in a young quarterback with potential, Green Bay is making a strategic investment in their future.