The NFL's 53-man roster deadline looms large, and several teams are making strategic maneuvers before the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. One notable move comes from the Green Bay Packers, who have decided to bolster their quarterback room by acquiring Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst is betting on the potential of Willis, who joins Green Bay in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. This trade could be seen as a low-risk, high-reward scenario for the Packers, who see potential in the young quarterback. "Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," reported ESPN, succinctly summing up the deal.
Willis's Career Overview
Originally selected 86th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Malik Willis has shown glimpses of talent that intrigued the Titans enough to draft him. With 11 career games under his belt, including three starts, Willis has had limited but notable opportunities to showcase his skill set. During these appearances, he threw for a total of 550 yards and three interceptions, completing 35 out of 66 passing attempts. On the ground, Willis has proven to be a dual-threat with 144 rushing yards and a touchdown over 32 carries.
Preseason Performance
Malik Willis showed signs of development during the preseason, which likely contributed to the interest from the Green Bay Packers. In his preseason performances, Willis achieved a 104.7 passer rating with 205 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Completing 20 of his 27 pass attempts, Willis displayed an impressive 74.1% completion rate, building a strong case for his potential upside.
Green Bay's Quarterback Situation
With the addition of Willis, the Packers now have several quarterbacks to assess. Sean Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, who is mentioned as a 2024 seventh-round pick, are among the key figures in their quarterback room. Additionally, former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph showcased his abilities in the preseason with 365 yards, one touchdown, and a 63.3% completion rate, earning a 92.6 passer rating. This depth provides the Packers with various options to evaluate as they look to the future.
Veteran Guidance and Development
Green Bay's quarterbacks will benefit from the guidance of Tom Clements, the quarterbacks coach who has a track record of working with some of the NFL's elite signal-callers. Clements has previously coached legendary quarterbacks such as Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. Under Clements's tutelage, the Packers hope Willis can develop and potentially unlock his full potential.
As the countdown to the NFL’s roster deadline continues, the Packers’ acquisition of Malik Willis stands out as a strategic move that combines a minimal investment with the chance for significant returns. While only time will tell how Willis will perform in Green Bay, the Packers are clearly looking to the future with this intriguing addition to their roster.