The Packers’ Bold Move: Malik Willis’ Impact on Green Bay’s 2024 Success

In an unexpected yet highly effective move, the Green Bay Packers pulled off a last-minute trade in late August that would prove pivotal in their 2024 season. With roster cuts looming, the Packers acquired quarterback Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans for only a seventh-round draft pick. While such a quick trade could have gone unnoticed, Willis quickly turned into one of the key contributors to the Packers’ success, making a mark on the team and raising questions about his future.

Willis Shines as the Backup Quarterback

Malik Willis, who started two games for Green Bay, helped lead the Packers to impressive victories over the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. He also contributed in five other matchups, including extended play against teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Chicago Bears. By the end of the season, Willis’ stats were eye-catching: he completed 74.1% of his passes, averaging 10.2 yards per attempt with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. His 124.8 passer rating stood as a testament to his calm under pressure and efficient decision-making on the field. What stood out even more was his ability to deliver crucial throws without turning the ball over.

Malik Willis’ Future with the Packers: A Compelling Scenario

Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, Malik Willis, a third-round selection in 2022, is set to earn $1.4 million in 2025. As a backup to Jordan Love, the Packers can look forward to having a reliable quarterback on their roster should the need arise. With a full offseason to integrate into Matt LaFleur’s offensive system, Willis’ potential as a solid backup could be even more valuable in the years to come.

However, Green Bay’s front office, led by general manager Brian Gutekunst, must also consider the market value of every player, especially quarterbacks. If a compelling offer comes through, it’s a scenario that’s hard to ignore, as history has shown that the Packers are no strangers to trading quarterbacks. In the past, under Ron Wolf’s leadership, Green Bay dealt players like Ty Detmer, Matt Hasselbeck, and Aaron Brooks, all of whom went on to have successful careers elsewhere.

What Would Be a Fair Offer for Malik Willis?

As Green Bay contemplates the future of Malik Willis, the most obvious question remains: What kind of trade offer would be fair? One way to look at the situation is to consider the Eagles’ acquisition of Sam Bradford in 2016. Following an injury to Teddy Bridgewater, the Minnesota Vikings traded a first- and future fourth-round pick for Bradford, who was expected to start. But Willis’ situation is different; unlike Bradford, Willis isn’t seen as the starter for the Packers, which limits the team’s leverage in negotiations.

A more realistic comparison is Jimmy Garoppolo, who was acquired by the San Francisco 49ers from the New England Patriots for a second-round pick in 2017. At that time, Garoppolo had only started two games, much like Willis. Since then, the market for quarterbacks has shifted, with teams acquiring bridge quarterbacks, short-term starters, or developmental players for lower compensation. For instance, Joe Flacco moved from the Baltimore Ravens to the Denver Broncos for a fourth-round pick, and Justin Fields was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick.

The Packers’ Strategic Decision

The Packers will need to weigh their options carefully when it comes to Willis. Given his solid performance in 2024, trading him now might not bring the value they expect. However, if the right offer comes along, it could provide an opportunity to improve the team in other areas. The market for backup quarterbacks has evolved, and teams are increasingly willing to acquire players on shorter deals for low compensation, especially in a situation like Willis’ where there’s a limited sample size.

As Green Bay prepares for the future, the most pressing question is whether they’ll keep Willis as a valuable backup to Jordan Love or trade him for a deal that benefits their long-term goals. What is clear, however, is that the Packers’ last-minute trade to bring Willis into the fold has proven to be an unexpected success, showcasing the team’s ability to make bold decisions that pay off when it matters most.