The NFL's 53-man roster deadline is fast approaching, with teams across the league finalizing moves to strengthen their rosters before the cutoff. In a strategic move ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, the Green Bay Packers have added some depth to their quarterback position. The Packers have acquired Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Packers Strengthen Quarterback Room
Willis, who was drafted 86th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings some experience to Green Bay, even though his time in the league has been relatively short so far. He has appeared in 11 career games, starting in three of those matches. Over this period, Willis has thrown for 550 yards, completed 35 of 66 attempts, and recorded three interceptions. On the ground, he has shown some mobility with 144 rushing yards and one touchdown on 32 carries.
In their pursuit to bolster their roster, the Packers have opted to invest a future pick on a young quarterback who has demonstrated potential both during the regular season and the preseason. “Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick,” reported ESPN.
Preseason Performance Highlights
While Willis’s regular-season statistics are modest, his preseason performance has shown a glimpse of his potential prowess. He boasted a passer rating of 104.7, amassing 205 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His precision was on display as he completed 20 out of 27 passes, marking an impressive 74.1% completion rate.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst’s decision to bring Willis onboard marks an interesting addition to a quarterback room that already includes Sean Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, a slated 2024 seventh-round pick. This mix of emerging talents, combined with the seasoned presence of former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, who himself had an impressive preseason with 365 yards and a touchdown on 31 of 49 passing for a 92.6 passer rating, situates the Packers with a diverse array of options under center.
Experienced Coaching at the Helm
The Packers’ quarterbacks will benefit from the guidance of Tom Clements, the team’s quarterback coach, who has a reputable track record of mentoring legendary talents such as Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. Clements's extensive experience and expertise will be crucial in integrating Willis into the Packers' system and helping him develop further.
It remains to be seen how the addition of Willis will shake up the quarterback dynamic in Green Bay, but the move reflects the Packers’ philosophy of developing young talent and preparing for potential future scenarios. With both the roster cutdown deadline and the new NFL season looming, the Packers' latest acquisition is a telling indication of their strategic planning and commitment to building a robust lineup.