The countdown to the NFL's 53-man roster deadline is ticking, and teams are making strategic moves to finalize their rosters by the official cutdown day on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. One of the most notable moves comes from the Green Bay Packers, who have decided to acquire Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
Packer's Acquisition of Malik Willis
"Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," reports ESPN. This move adds another dynamic layer to the Packers' quarterback room, emphasizing their long-term planning and depth chart strategy.
Selected as the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Willis has shown glimpses of his potential across his 11 career games, which include three starts. During his time on the field, Willis has amassed 550 passing yards and three interceptions, completing 35 of his 66 attempts. On the ground, he has rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries.
Performance Highlights and Preseason Success
Willis's preseason performances hint at his growth and promise as an NFL quarterback. He recorded a 104.7 passer rating, throwing for 205 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His accurate passing was on full display, completing 20 of 27 passes, or 74.1%.
Enriching the Quarterback Room
With the addition of Willis, Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst is reinforcing the quarterback room, which already includes Sean Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, a 2024 seventh-round pick. This move signals a robust commitment to fostering a competitive and versatile environment for their signal-callers.
The Packers also have the experience of former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in their corner. Rudolph put up notable preseason numbers of his own, throwing for 365 yards and a touchdown on 31 of 49 passing attempts, resulting in a 92.6 passer rating with a completion rate of 63.3%.
Under the Guidance of Tom Clements
The quarterback room will benefit from the expertise of Tom Clements, the Packers' quarterbacks coach. Clements has a storied history of coaching some of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, including Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love. His experience and insight will be invaluable as the Packers integrate Willis into their system and develop his skills further.
As the deadline looms and teams finalize their rosters, the Packers’ strategic acquisition of Malik Willis showcases their dedication to building a competitive and deep roster. With Willis’s potential and the expertise of the coaching staff, Green Bay is positioning itself for both immediate competition and future success.