The Green Bay Packers acquired quarterback Malik Willis in a trade with the Tennessee Titans earlier this week. Willis will serve as Jordan Love’s backup, and following the addition of Willis, the Packers released second-year signal-caller Sean Clifford. They then re-signed Clifford to the practice squad.
Green Bay has made it very clear that Willis is the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart, which could create an opportunity for the youngster moving forward.
When asked about his trade from the Titans, Willis provided an interesting take.
“They (Titans GM Ron Carthon and head coach Bill Callahan) said it’s either positive or negative, depending on how you look at it,” Willis said, via Wendell Ferreira of A to Z Sports. “This is an opportunity where I can come and be a 2 and work my way to get better every day. I didn’t wake up thinking I was gonna be traded, no sir, so it definitely caught me by surprise. It’s no time to really think about it. It’s time to go.”
Willis, who played his collegiate football at Auburn and Liberty, was selected by Tennessee in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
In two seasons with the Titans, Willis made 11 appearances and started three games. During that time, he threw for 350 yards and three interceptions while completing 53 percent of his passes. Not exactly great numbers, but there are some who like Willis’ potential.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst specifically noted the progress that Willis has made this preseason and likes his dual-threat capabilities.
In his final collegiate campaign at Liberty, Willis totaled 2,862 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 picks through the air while rushing for 878 yards and 13 scores.
Clearly, there is some talent there, but whether or not it actually materializes on the NFL level remains to be seen. It certainly didn’t in Tennessee.
Of course, the Packers don’t want to have to turn to Willis, because that would mean Love has gotten injured. But, it is nice to have some better insurance behind Love. Obviously, the team was not very comfortable with Clifford, and 2024 seventh-round pick Michael Pratt is just a rookie.
Perhaps Willis will get some opportunities in certain offensive sets for the Packers this season. Maybe he will even increase his trade value so the team can trade him again.
We’ll see what becomes of Willis as he enters his debut campaign with the Green Bay Packers.
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