The Green Bay Packers are making a noteworthy move as the countdown to the NFL's 53-man roster deadline continues. With the official cutdown day set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the Packers have decided to bolster their quarterback room by acquiring Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis. This strategic decision was made in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, positioning the Packers to benefit from Willis's potential.
Willis Joins the Packers
Malik Willis, who was selected 86th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, is known for his dual-threat capabilities. In his young career, Willis has played in 11 games, starting in three of those appearances. His performance has shown both promise and areas for improvement, having passed for 550 yards with three interceptions on 35 of 66 attempts. Additionally, Willis has demonstrated his versatility by rushing for 144 yards and scoring one touchdown on 32 carries.
During the 2023 preseason, Willis's performance metrics were noteworthy. He achieved a 104.7 passer rating, accumulating 205 passing yards, throwing two touchdowns, and one interception. Willis's accuracy was particularly impressive, completing 20 of 27 pass attempts, translating to a 74.1% completion rate. These statistics indicate Willis's potential upside and explain why the Packers see value in bringing him into their fold.
"Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," reported ESPN. This acquisition underscores the Packers' intent to strengthen their quarterback depth as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Packer's Quarterback Room Additions
The Packers General Manager, Brian Gutekunst, seems to be actively enhancing the team's quarterback options. The room now includes recent draft picks and experienced quarterbacks alike. Sean Clifford, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, joins the ranks alongside Michael Pratt, who was added as a seventh-round pick for the 2024 draft.
Additionally, the Packers have former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in their lineup. Rudolph exhibited resilience in the preseason, passing for 365 yards and one touchdown on 31 of 49 passing attempts, achieving a 63.3% completion rate and a respectable 92.6 passer rating. Rudolph's experience and performance metrics provide an excellent veteran presence within the quarterback cadre.
Coaching and Development
One crucial aspect that could aid Willis's development in Green Bay is the experience encapsulated in the coaching staff. Tom Clements, the quarterbacks coach for the Packers, is a significant asset. Clements has a storied career, having coached renowned quarterbacks like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. His lineage of successful quarterback mentees implies that Willis will be under excellent tutelage, potentially helping him realize and maximize his potential.
The addition of Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers roster is a calculated move that reflects the team’s proactive approach to building a robust lineup capable of weathering the challenges of the upcoming NFL season. Whether Willis will immediately impact the field or serve as a developing asset remains to be observed. However, the Packers' faith in his abilities, combined with the guidance of seasoned professionals like Tom Clements, sets a stage of high anticipation and excitement for the team's future.