The countdown to the NFL's 53-man roster deadline is ticking, but some teams are already making moves swifter than a fourth-quarter two-minute drill. One such proactive franchise is the Green Bay Packers, who have decided to take a leap on Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis, ahead of the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Green Bay's Strategic Acquisition
In a surprising yet calculated move, the Packers are adding Willis to their quarterback room for the modest price of a 2025 seventh-round pick. Willis, who was the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, adds a new dimension to Green Bay's quarterback depth chart. "Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," reported ESPN. Essentially, the Packers are investing in potential at a relatively low cost.
Willis' On-Field Performance
Willis' career stats paint a picture of a young QB still finding his footing in the league. Over 11 career games, including three starts, Willis has passed for 550 yards and three interceptions, completing 35 of 66 attempts. On the ground, he has shown a degree of dual-threat capability, running for 144 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries.
However, Willis entered this preseason with something to prove and his performance did not disappoint. He racked up a 104.7 passer rating with 205 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Completing 20 of 27 passes (74.1%) demonstrates a significant uptick in his accuracy and decision-making, instilling some optimism for his future under the right tutelage.
Titans to Packers: A New Chapter
The move to Green Bay also means a shift in the competitive dynamics within the Packers' quarterback room. General Manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear through his actions that he was not thoroughly impressed with the performances of Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt. Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and Pratt, a 2024 seventh-round pick, now face the challenge of improved competition for roster spots.
Comparative Analysis
Interestingly, another quarterback making waves this preseason was former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. Although Rudolph's stats—365 yards and a touchdown on 31 of 49 passing (63.3%) for a 92.6 passer rating—were solid, they fell short of Willis' recent preseason output. The differential in performances perhaps justifies Green Bay's intrigue in acquiring Willis, banking on his upward trajectory.
Coaching Pedigree
Adding another layer to this acquisition is the coaching pedigree in Green Bay, particularly with quarterbacks coach Tom Clements at the helm. Clements has a rich history, having coached luminaries like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. The opportunity to work with Clements could be pivotal for Willis' development, potentially unlocking the next phase of his NFL career.
Overall, the Green Bay Packers' decision to acquire Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans marks a noteworthy early move in the pre-roster cutdown period. The coming weeks will offer a clearer look at how this decision pans out, both for Willis and the quarterback dynamics within the Packers' roster.