Green Bay Packers Acquire Malik Willis in Pre-Roster Deadline Move
As the NFL's 53-man roster deadline looms, teams are making strategic decisions to finalize their squads. The Green Bay Packers have taken a noteworthy step by acquiring Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis. The transaction, finalized ahead of the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, sees the Packers adding Willis to their quarterback roster for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Willis, who entered the league as the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings intriguing potential to the Packers. The young quarterback has appeared in 11 career NFL games, with three starts under his belt. During his time on the field, Willis has passed for 550 yards, though he has faced challenges, contributing three interceptions while completing 35 of 66 attempts.
Despite these hurdles, Willis has shown promise, particularly in his ability to make plays with his legs. He has rushed for 144 yards and scored a touchdown on 32 carries, demonstrating his dual-threat capability. His recent preseason performance also provided a glimpse of his potential, as he achieved a passer rating of 104.7. Willis completed 20 of 27 passes (74.1%) for 205 passing yards, including two touchdowns and one interception during the preseason.
Green Bay’s general manager, Brian Gutekunst, spearheaded this acquisition, aiming to bolster the team's quarterback room. Willis will now compete alongside the likes of Sean Clifford, a fifth-round pick from 2023, and Michael Pratt, a seventh-round pick chosen in 2024. The Packers’ quarterback depth chart reflects a blend of experience and new talent, and Willis' addition could provide critical depth and versatility.
Furthermore, former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph contributed notably in the preseason, passing for 365 yards and a touchdown with a 63.3% completion rate, achieving a 92.6 passer rating. Rudolph’s performance underscores the competitive environment within the Packers' quarterback corps, where Willis will need to prove his mettle.
Guiding this eclectic group is quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, a veteran with an impressive track record. Clements has previously coached esteemed quarterbacks such as Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. His vast experience and expertise will be invaluable as he works with Willis and the other quarterbacks to refine their skills and integrate them into the Packers’ system.
The acquisition also highlights the Packers' forward-thinking strategy. By securing Willis for a future seventh-round pick, Green Bay is investing in potential while managing their assets prudently. As ESPN reported, "Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick." This move reflects the team's commitment to ensuring long-term competitiveness without compromising immediate needs.
As the countdown to the roster deadline continues, the inclusion of Malik Willis is a development that Packers fans and NFL observers alike will watch closely. His dual-threat ability and recent performance metrics indicate that he could become a valuable asset for Green Bay. Under the tutelage of Tom Clements and the strategic oversight of Brian Gutekunst, Willis has the opportunity to develop and potentially emerge as a notable figure in the Packers’ quarterback rotation.
This transaction marks yet another chapter in the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of NFL team-building, illustrating how teams navigate the delicate balance of present performance and future promise. With the roster deadline fast approaching, the addition of Willis could very well be a pivotal move for the Green Bay Packers as they prepare for the upcoming season.