New Packers backup QB; Malik Willis acquired from Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 17: Malik Willis #7 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to throw a pass during the first half of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquie
GREEN BAY, Wis. - The Green Bay Packers acquired quarterback Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick, The Associated Press reported on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal hasn't been announced. ESPN first reported the trade.
Green Bay was lacking tested candidates to back up Jordan Love, who signed a four-year, $220 million contract extension this summer after leading the Packers to an NFC divisional playoff appearance in his first year as starting quarterback.
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After Green Bay closed its preseason with a 30-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, Packers coach Matt LaFleur left open the possibility of acquiring another quarterback by saying that "we’ll evaluate everything that’s out there for us."
Green Bay’s only other backup QB candidates before this trade were 2023 fifth-round pick Sean Clifford and rookie seventh-round selection Michael Pratt. Clifford threw just one pass his rookie season.
Willis, 25, made three starts for Tennessee in his rookie year after the Titans' last general manager traded up to draft him out of Liberty in the third round in 2022. The Titans went 1-2 in those games, with the win coming in Houston as Tennessee leaned on Derrick Henry's legs and Willis threw only 10 passes — one in the second half. Willis has never thrown for more than 99 yards in any game.
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With the AFC South title on the line at season's end, Tennessee brought in Joshua Dobbs and started the journeyman in Jacksonville rather than Willis.
In his three career starts, Willis went a combined 25 of 49 for 234 yards with three interceptions and no touchdown passes. He ran for 95 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries in those games.
Willis has completed 53%, or 36 of 66 attempts, for 350 yards in his first two seasons with three interceptions and still is looking for his first touchdown pass. He has 32 carries for 144 yards and one touchdown.
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Clifford, 26, had gone 22 of 43 for 207 yards with one touchdown and an interception in Green Bay’s three preseason games. Pratt, 22, was 23 of 35 for 178 yards with one touchdown and one interception.