Packers GM explains why Malik Willis is team's QB2

The end of the preseason has been extremely interesting in Green Bay.

The Packers saw 2023 draft pick Sean Clifford compete with 2024 draft pick Michael Pratt for the distinction of being Jordan Love's backup quarterback.

That may not seem like a major honor worth competing for, but hey, it's a gig in the NFL. Backup quarterbacks also have a storied history in Green Bay. Remember, Aaron Rodgers backed-up Brett Favre before three years and Jordan Love did the same with Rodgers, and let's not even get started on Matt Flynn.

Ultimately, neither Clifford nor Pratt made the team as both quarterbacks didn't show enough development for either head coach Matt LaFleur or general manager Brian Gutekunst.

“Certainly there were some underwhelming performances at times," Gutekunst told the media on Wednesday, per Matt Schneidman of "The Athletic".

Clifford made it back on the practice squad but ultimately, Gutekunst traded a 2025 seventh-round pick for Tennessee Titans backup Malik Willis.

Willis is heading into year three as an NFL quarterback after being drafted by the Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he's never lived up to the potential many thought he had in the pre-draft process.

For his part, though, Gutekunst has seen a different quarterback this offseason, and that's why the Packers went out and traded for Willis. Schneidman reported that Gutekunst has seen progression out of the former Liberty star and this preseason in particular was impressive.

It's worth noting that Willis was in a new system in Tennessee under new head coach Brian Callahan, who has been credited, in part, for helping develop quarterbacks such as Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr and Joe Burrow.

The Packers have their own "quarterback whisperer" in Tom Clements, so they have that going for them. Willis, for all his faults, also clearly has more physical talent than either Clifford or Pratt.

It's a bet on coaching and upside, because Gutekunst clearly believes his staff can help Willis put it all together.

At the same time, the Packers are certainly hoping they'll never have to find out in a regular season game situation.