The countdown to the NFL's 53-man roster deadline is steadily ticking down, and teams are making strategic moves to fine-tune their rosters. One of the most intriguing developments ahead of the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET is the Green Bay Packers' acquisition of Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis. The Packers have decided to bolster their quarterback room by trading a future asset for a potential future star.
Packers Acquire Willis
Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick, according to ESPN. This move signals the Packers' intention to add depth and potential to their quarterback lineup, which already features strong contenders.
Willis, who was the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings a mix of raw talent and developmental promise. Over his brief career, Willis has appeared in 11 games, including three starts, showcasing moments of brilliance as well as areas in need of improvement. While his figures—550 passing yards, three interceptions on 35 completions out of 66 attempts, and 144 rushing yards with a touchdown on 32 carries—indicate room for growth, his potential is undeniable.
Preseason Promising
Willis particularly impressed during the preseason, achieving a passer rating of 104.7. He threw for 205 yards, logged two touchdowns, and had just one interception, completing an impressive 74.1% of his passes, having gone 20 for 27. These statistics present a promising glimpse of what he might contribute to the Packers' lineup.
Commenting on the acquisition, Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst noted that adding Willis was a strategic move to enhance the team's depth at quarterback. "Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," reaffirmed ESPN.
Building the Quarterback Room
The Packers have put together an intriguing quarterback room under the guidance of quarterbacks coach Tom Clements. Known for developing elite-level talents, Clements has coached the likes of Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. The addition of Willis provides another promising project for Clements, whose track record speaks volumes about his ability to maximize a quarterback’s potential.
Joining Willis and Love in the quarterback room are Sean Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, a 2024 seventh-round pick. Additionally, former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph contributed solid preseason performance to his own resume—365 yards, a touchdown on 31 of 49 passing (63.3%), resulting in a 92.6 passer rating.
The Path Forward
The Green Bay Packers are clearly making calculated moves to ensure they have a strong lineup heading into the new season. By acquiring Malik Willis, they are investing in a dynamic talent with a proven college track record and flashes of potential at the professional level. This acquisition reflects their commitment to competition and depth at one of the most critical positions on the field.
As the deadline looms, all eyes will be on how Willis integrates into the Packers' system and how Tom Clements plans to utilize his unique skill set. With mentorship from seasoned coaches and competition from capable peers, the young quarterback's journey in Green Bay will be an exciting storyline to follow.
For the Packers and their fans, the hope is that this latest move will pay off substantially, potentially transforming a seventh-round pick into a significant asset for the team's future.