Following Saturday’s preseason finale, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur made a suggestion that his backup quarterback might not be a member of the current roster. That’s exactly what happened two days later.
According to sources who spoke to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers acquired quarterback Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans on Monday in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round selection pick. This season, Willis is anticipated to support Jordan Love.
A summertime competition was held by the Packers between rookie Michael Pratt and second-year pro Sean Clifford for the position as Love’s backup, which Clifford held as a rookie the previous season. In the previous year’s fifth round, the Packers selected Clifford, and in this year’s seventh round, they selected Pratt.
Both had their moments, but not enough of one to persuade the Packers that they could still win games in the event that Love suffered a setback.
When asked after the preseason finale about the depth behind Love, LaFleur responded, “We’ll see.”
He noted, “There were some really good moments, but also areas we need to improve. We’ll evaluate all our options.”
The Packers may retain either Clifford or Pratt on the roster until they can fully integrate Willis into the offense. However, it could be too much to expect Willis to serve as the No. 2 quarterback for the season opener against the Eagles in 11 days. A source indicated that Clifford is “likely gone,” suggesting he may be released by Tuesday’s mandatory roster cut to 53 players. If that happens, Pratt might either make the initial roster or sign to the practice squad if he clears waivers, allowing him to be elevated for game day if needed.
The Packers have heavily invested in Love, the 2020 first-round pick who signed a four-year, $220 million contract early in training camp after just one season as a starter.
Willis was positioned as the No. 3 quarterback behind Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. He primarily worked with the third team during training camp but made progress under new coach Brian Callahan.
Callahan hinted at the possibility of not keeping three quarterbacks when discussing the NFL’s revised third quarterback rule during his Monday press conference. “It may seem like you get an extra spot for a third quarterback,” he said. “But it’s still a real roster spot that has to be counted on the 53.”
Willis found himself in a numbers game that limited Tennessee’s ability to keep a third quarterback, as the Titans considered keeping four tight ends and running backs, making Willis expendable.
Be the first to comment