The clock is ticking down to the NFL's 53-man roster deadline, prompting teams to make pivotal decisions ahead of the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. The Green Bay Packers have already made a significant move, acquiring Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
Packers Acquire Willis
"Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," according to ESPN. The Packers' General Manager Brian Gutekunst appears to be taking a calculated risk, adding the young quarterback to their room as they continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season. Willis, the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has showcased potential in his brief NFL career.
Despite limited playing time, Willis has accumulated experience across 11 career games, including three starts. In those appearances, he has thrown for 550 yards and three interceptions, completing 35 of 66 attempts. On the ground, Willis has demonstrated mobility, rushing for 144 yards and scoring one touchdown on 32 carries.
Preseason Performance
Willis displayed his capabilities during the preseason, achieving a commendable passer rating of 104.7. He threw for 205 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while completing 20 of 27 passes, translating to a solid 74.1% completion rate. This performance likely caught the attention of Gutekunst and the Packers' coaching staff, further validating their decision to bring Willis into their fold.
The addition of Willis will create competition within Green Bay's quarterback room, which already includes notable players. Sean Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, a 2024 seventh-round pick, are among the young talents under evaluation. The Packers also have former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, who had a respectable preseason showing with 365 yards and a touchdown, completing 31 of 49 passes (63.3%) for a passer rating of 92.6.
Coaching Legacy
Guiding these quarterbacks is Tom Clements, the Packers' quarterbacks coach. Clements brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached NFL legends like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. His expertise and background working with elite quarterbacks will be invaluable in helping Willis and the other young quarterbacks develop their skills and potentially secure their places on the roster.
The acquisition of Malik Willis marks an intriguing chapter for the Green Bay Packers, as they navigate the nuances of roster management and player development. As the deadline approaches, it will be fascinating to watch how this decision impacts their overall strategy and performance in the upcoming NFL season.