The Green Bay Packers have pulled s Trade off an unexpected trade with the Tennessee Titans to acquire a new backup quarterback ahead of the 2024 season.
Jordan Love has firmly established himself as the Packers’ starting quarterback, impressing in his first full season at Lambeau Field by throwing 32 touchdowns, accumulating over 4,000 passing yards, and nearly leading the team to the NFC Championship.
However, the situation behind Love was far less stable as the preseason unfolded. Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt were competing for the backup role, but neither stood out. Clifford completed 51.2% of his 43 pass attempts for 207 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Pratt completed 65.7% of his 35 attempts for 178 yards, also with one touchdown and one interception, as the Packers finished 2-1 in the preseason.
These underwhelming performances prompted the Packers’ management to seek a more reliable option, leading to the surprise trade for Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans.
Green Bay Packers Secure Quarterback in Surprise Trade
The trade terms were straightforward: the Titans sent Malik Willis to Green Bay in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Will Levis locked in as the Titans’ starter and offseason acquisition Mason Rudolph performing well, Willis became expendable, and the Titans were content to gain some value for the former Liberty University standout.
The Packers acquired Willis at a low cost, which is notable in a league where quarterback depth is increasingly vital. However, Green Bay still faces the challenge of developing Willis into a reliable backup for the long term.
What Willis Brings to the Team
On the positive side, Willis offers significant potential. Once considered a potential first-round pick before the 2022 NFL Draft, he slipped to the third round, where the Titans selected him 86th overall. Willis possesses a powerful arm and impressive athleticism, making him a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays with his legs. Although still raw, his skill set could be honed behind Love.
One advantage of this trade is that the Packers can focus on developing Willis while Love leads the offense. However, concerns remain about Willis’ readiness to step in if Love were to be sidelined. Willis has limited NFL experience, with only three starts, 350 passing yards, and three interceptions to his name, without a single touchdown pass since entering the league in 2022.
Despite his inexperience and lack of production, Willis’ raw talent and potential to fit into Matt LaFleur’s offensive system make him a more promising option than either Pratt or Clifford. He will have time to grow and learn behind one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses, adjusting to his new role and environment at his own pace.
A change of scenery could be just what Willis needs to revive his career, and the reduced pressure as a backup might allow him to develop into the quarterback many once believed he could become, following his initial promise as the potential heir to Ryan Tannehill.
