In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Green Bay Packers have acquired quarterback Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. This trade comes as a surprise to many, as the Packers were already in the midst of a training camp battle for the backup quarterback position.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Willis is expected to take over the No. 2 quarterback job behind starter Jordan Love, who recently signed a lucrative contract extension. The competition for the backup role was between Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt, but neither player was able to distinguish themselves in the preseason games.
Willis, a third-round pick by the Titans in 2022, has seen limited action in his NFL career, appearing in 11 games with three starts as a rookie. In those games, he threw for 350 yards on 35-of-66 passing with no touchdowns and three interceptions. The Titans went 1-2 in the games that Willis started.
On the other hand, Clifford, a fifth-round pick by the Packers in 2023, struggled in the preseason, completing just 51.2% of his passes for 207 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Pratt, a seventh-round pick in April, also had a lackluster performance, throwing for 178 yards on 23-of-35 passing with one touchdown and an interception.
The addition of Willis to the Packers’ roster provides them with more depth and experience at the quarterback position. With aspirations of competing for the NFC North title, the Packers now have added insurance in case Love is unable to play. This move has the potential to impact the team’s season in a significant way, and fans are eagerly anticipating how Willis will perform in his new role.