Green Bay Packers’ New QB Reveals Bold Claim For 2024 Season

The Green Bay Packers finally have a legitimate backup quarterback, as they acquired Malik Willis in a trade with the Tennessee Titans earlier in the week.

As a result of the move, the Packers released Sean Clifford and then signed him back to the practice squad.

Willis will almost certainly serve as Jordan Love’s primary backup heading into 2024, and despite the whirlwind that has been the last several days for Willis, he is prepared for his new role.

“The season’s starting. There’s no more lounging around and kind of getting ready for the season,” Willis said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers’ official team website. “This is what it is. There’s no time to really think about it. It’s time to go.”

Willis, who played his collegiate football at Auburn and Liberty, was selected by the Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The 25-year-old generated some hype during his rookie campaign and ended up playing in eight games and making three starts. However, he was a severe disappointment, throwing for 276 yards and three interceptions while completing just 50.8 percent off his passes.

Then, last year, Willis made three appearances, going 4-for-5 with 74 yards.

Still, many like Willis’ potential, particularly as a dual-threat quarterback. He also says he has grown considerably since entering the league.

“I learned at a crazy rate,” Willis said. “It is what it is and just being able to adapt has really made me – not proud but definitely leaning on that and continuing to just grind and work hard and continuing to let things play out how they’re supposed to.”

The College Park, Ga. native added that he is taking things “day by day” as he gets ready to serve as Love’s backup for the Packers’ season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil next Friday.

It will obviously be quite an adjustment for Willis, as he spent the entire offseason prepping as if he were going to be backing up Will Levis in Tennessee. Now, with the regular season just over a week away, Willis has changed uniforms and playbooks.

Obviously, Green Bay is hoping it won’t need Willis unless it is blowing out an opponent or if it simply wants to employ him in a unique offensive set.

But it’s sure nice for the Green Bay Packers to actually have a serious No. 2 quarterback on their depth chart heading into what could be a very special season for the franchise.

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