The NFL's 53-man roster deadline is swiftly approaching, and teams are already making strategic moves ahead of the cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. The Green Bay Packers have decided to bolster their quarterback lineup by acquiring Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans. The trade will see Willis don the Packers jersey in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick.
Willis, the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of potential during his young career. In 11 career games, including three starts, Willis has managed to pass for 550 yards, though he has yet to throw a touchdown and has been intercepted three times. Despite these modest numbers, the Packers see potential in the young quarterback, who has completed 35 of 66 attempts.
Impressive Preseason Performance
One of the key factors contributing to the Packers' interest in Willis is his recent preseason performance. Willis achieved a solid passer rating of 104.7, throwing for 205 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Completing 20 of 27 passes, Willis had an impressive completion rate of 74.1%. Additionally, his mobility as a quarterback has added another layer to his gameplay, as he has run for 144 yards and scored one touchdown on 32 carries.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst appears to be optimistic about the acquisition, looking to add depth and competition to the quarterback room. Joining the ranks with Willis are Sean Clifford, the 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, the 2024 seventh-round pick. The depth in talent suggests a competitive training camp as the Packers prepare for the upcoming season.
The Strategic Move
The addition of Willis, described succinctly by ESPN with "Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," indicates a forward-thinking approach by the Packers’ management. This move reflects a commitment to developing young talent under the mentorship of experienced coaching staff.
At the helm of the Packers' quarterback coaching is Tom Clements, a seasoned coach who has previously guided the likes of legendary quarterbacks Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. With Clements' extensive background and proven track record, there is significant optimism that Willis can harness his raw talent and develop further.
Competition in the Preseason
Another storyline to watch will be how Willis compares to former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, who had a commendable preseason himself with 365 yards, one touchdown, and a 92.6 passer rating, completing 31 of 49 attempts. The emerging rivalry and developmental arcs of these quarterbacks could make for an intriguing narrative as the season unfolds.
As the countdown to the final roster cuts continues, all eyes will be on how the Packers' quarterback room shapes up. With Brian Gutekunst making strategic moves, Tom Clements providing experienced coaching, and young quarterbacks like Malik Willis eager to make their mark, the Packers are fortifying their lineup with an eye on both present performance and future promise.