The deadline for NFL teams to finalize their 53-man rosters is swiftly approaching. Set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the time crunch is prompting franchises to make key moves, and one team that's already made headlines is the Green Bay Packers.
Packers Acquire Malik Willis
In a strategic move, the Packers have decided to acquire Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis. The deal was made official on Monday, with Green Bay sending a 2025 seventh-round pick to Tennessee in exchange for the young quarterback.
Willis, who was the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings a blend of youth and potential to Green Bay's quarterback room. Over his career so far, Willis has played in 11 games, starting three of them. His stats include 550 passing yards, three interceptions, and a completion rate of 35 out of 66 attempts. On the ground, he's rushed for 144 yards and one touchdown on 32 carries.
In the recent preseason, Willis showcased notable improvement. He achieved a passer rating of 104.7, amassing 205 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His completion rate was particularly impressive, as he connected on 20 of 27 pass attempts, translating to a 74.1% completion rate.
"Green Bay is acquiring Willis from Tennessee on Monday for the price of a 2025 seventh-round pick," ESPN reported, confirming the deal.
Building Depth in the Quarterback Room
This acquisition comes at a crucial time for the Packers, as it adds depth to their quarterback lineup. Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst is keen on strengthening the roster, and adding Willis offers options and competition for the starting spot and beyond.
Current quarterbacks on the Packers' roster include Sean Clifford, a fifth-round pick from this year's draft, and Michael Pratt, a seventh-round pick projected for 2024. Additionally, former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph has demonstrated his capabilities during the preseason. Rudolph recorded 365 passing yards and a touchdown on 31 of 49 completions, resulting in a 92.6 passer rating.
A New Chapter Under Familiar Guidance
Mentorship and coaching will play a crucial role in Willis's potential success with the Packers. Veteran quarterbacks coach Tom Clements will oversee his development. Clements brings a wealth of experience, having coached legendary quarterbacks such as Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and currently Jordan Love.
It will be interesting to see how Willis adapts to the Packers' system under Clements' guidance and how this move will impact Green Bay's season moving forward. As the NFL's 53-man roster deadline looms, the Packers are making calculated decisions to fortify their squad, aiming for success in the upcoming season.