The Green Bay Packers have had to call on backup quarterback Malik Willis more than they hoped or envisioned when acquiring him last offseason. However, he's answered the bell and then some when asked to step in for franchise centerpiece Jordan Love.
Willis was thrust into action again in the Packers' crushing meltdown loss to the Chicago Bears after Love exited with a concussion. As usual, the former filled in admirably despite falling short, even earning the respect of NFL royalty and FOX Sports announcer Tom Brady. There's no controversy about whose team this is, though Green Bay has a luxury that other clubs don't: a reliable No. 2 passer.
It's hard to envision Love gaining clearance to return in time for the Packers' upcoming must-win clash with the Baltimore Ravens. His status remains up in the air. So, barring any pleasant surprises, Willis figures to make his sixth career start, assuming he can overcome a throwing shoulder injury suffered late in the game against Chicago.
Packers fans could be starting at last dance with Malik Willis vs. Ravens
Slated for unrestricted free agency in the coming months, Willis' stint with the Packers has been a strong audition to be a starter in 2026. Knowing this, his presumed relief appearance against Baltimore could very well be the last with the club, at least in Green Bay's ideal world.
By now, Packers fans have probably come to terms with Willis' anticipated departure this upcoming offseason. However, his seemingly inevitable fate is quietly inching toward becoming a reality. He's shown enough to merit an opportunity that the Packers cannot afford him, which sets the stage for a split.
Nevertheless, there's no need to cry because Willis' time in Green Bay is likely over following the 2025 campaign; smile because it happened. The Packers have gotten a tremendous return on investment since acquiring him from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a seventh-round pick in August 2024.
Conversely, Willis will be rewarded for his resurgence in due course, so this was truly a best-case scenario outcome for everyone (except the Titans). Supply and demand will make him a hot commodity, one the Packers may be hard-pressed to retain. He's staring at a considerable raise that ostensibly won't be in their budget, though his contributions in Green Bay will always be remembered fondly.
Across 10 games (two starts) with the Packers, Willis has completed 76.5 percent of his attempts for 684 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. That has yielded a dazzling 132.2 passer rating, and doesn't factor in the 33-201-1 rushing line they've gotten from him.