Summary:
- As reported by ESPN, the Green Bay Packers have chosen to trade the Tennessee Titans’ Malik Willis as their new backup quarterback.
- Willis was one of the Packers’ third-round draft picks in 2022.
- Sean Clifford, the fifth-round pick in 2023, and Michael Pratt, the seventh-round pick in 2024, both lost to Willis.
The Green Bay Packers have hit the refresh button on the team with their latest backup quarterback trade for Tennessee Titans’ Malik Willis.
The Wisconsin team sent a seventh-round draft pick for Willis and the decision surprised some, as it is not part of the Packers’ recent draft picks.
Willis, who started three games for the Titans in two years was a third-round pick during the 2022 NFL draft, according to confirmation from a source. However, he was the third quarterback selected overall.
The 25-year-old Georgia-born threw zero touchdowns, recorded three interceptions for the Titans, going 1-2, and completed 31 of 61 passes for 276 yards.
The player, who some voices claimed would be the potential Tennessee Titans franchise quarterback, will be leaving Nashville and joining the Packers’ quarterback room where he is expected to bring different dynamics.
The 6-foot-0 1/2, 219-pound quarterback who improved his play in the preseason this year and completed 20 of 27 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns with an interception, was not able to defeat Mason Rudolph for the backup position behind the fresh first-round pick Will Levis.
While Willis might seem like an odd choice for coach Matt LaFleur or general manager Brian Gutekunst, his size and rushing skills make him resemble Justin Fields or Jalen Hurts.
Compared to the team’s 6-4 quarterback, Jordan Love, who has no problem sitting in the pocket, Willis’ arm is just as strong, even though he is more likely to run with the ball.
This means the Packers will need to figure out how to change the dynamics and insert some read-option into their scheme to get the most out of the player.
Willis is expected to help improve the backup situation for the Packers in the context of Will Levis being named the Titans starter and Mason Rudolph, a currently free-agent signee who proved himself in training camp, becoming the Tennessee number 2.
Willis, who originally went to Auburn but was transferred to Liberty University where he spent his final two years, was chosen in the detriment of Sean Clifford, who was the Packers’ 2023 fifth-round pick, and Michael Pratt, the 2024 seventh-round pick.
The decision was a result of the two quarterbacks’ unimpressive activity in preseason which, combined, only brought in three touchdowns in 28 series.
Their individual statistics didn’t prove to be as important as their ability to get the American football team on the move.
Pratt has proven to have a better arm than Clifford, averaging more yards per play. However, he only managed to get the ball in the end zone a single time, going scoreless in six possessions against the Broncos.
On the other hand, Clifford got the ball in the end zone twice, leading the team to three field goals. While his interception skills were remarkable during practice, he was only picked off once.
Either Clifford or Pratt is expected to be signed to the Packers’ practice squad.
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