Packers acquire QB Malik Willis in trade with Titans, sources say

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur hinted after Saturday's final game of the season that his backup quarterback might not already be on the roster. Two days later, that was exactly the case.

The Packers traded a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to the Tennessee Titans on Monday in exchange for quarterback Malik Willis, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Willis is expected to back up Jordan Love this season.

The Packers have been hosting a competition all summer long between second-year pro Sean Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt to replace Love, a job Clifford held as a rookie last season. The Packers drafted Clifford in the fifth round last year and Pratt in the seventh round this year.

While both had their moments, neither stood out enough to convince the Packers that they could win games if something were to happen to Love.

When asked whether there were enough good options behind Love, LaFleur said on Saturday after the season finale: “We'll see.”

“There were some really good moments, but then there were some things we definitely need to do better,” LaFleur said. “And then we'll evaluate everything that's there for us.”

It's possible the Packers could keep Clifford or Pratt on the roster, at least until they get Willis up to speed on offense. It might be too much to ask that Willis start as the No. 2 quarterback in the season opener in 11 days against the Eagles. However, a source said Clifford is “probably gone,” meaning he would likely be released by the time the roster is mandatory reduced to 53 on Tuesday. If that's the case, Pratt may either make the first 53 or be signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers. In the latter case, he could be used as a game-day backup to the practice squad.

The Packers have invested heavily in Love, a 2020 first-round pick who signed a four-year, $220 million contract at the start of this year's training camp after one season as a starter.

Willis would have been the third quarterback behind starter Will Levis and backup Mason Rudolph. He worked primarily with the third team during training camp, but made great strides in his first season under new coach Brian Callahan.

Callahan hinted during his press conference on Monday that he might not keep three quarterbacks when asked about the NFL's third quarterback rule revision.

“It feels like you're getting an open spot for a third quarterback,” Callahan said. “But it's not. It's a roster spot, a real one, and you have to carry it down the 53-yard line to get that backup quarterback.”

Willis was involved in a numbers game that prevented Tennessee from keeping a third quarterback. The Titans could end up having to keep four tight ends and running backs, making Willis expendable.