Packers make a surprising quarterback trade to replace Sean Clifford

Wow. The Green Bay Packers decided neither Sean Clifford nor Michael Pratt was their answer at the backup quarterback position.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Packers are trading for former Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis, a third-round pick only two years ago. Green Bay is sending a 2025 seventh-rounder to Tennessee.

It's a low-risk, high-reward move for the Packers, and it answers the uncertainty at the backup quarterback position. It likely ends Clifford's time in Green Bay and also leaves Pratt's future up in the air.

General manager Brian Gutekunst has done it again. He loves a trade before the roster cut deadline, and he has answered one of the biggest preseason questions.

Packers trade for quarterback Malik Willis: Full details

Packers receive:

• QB Malik Willis

Titans receive:

• 2025 7th-round pick

It's not surprising the Packers wanted to make a quarterback change. Matt LaFleur said they would consider all options, and he meant it.

Willis was a high draft pick in 2022 but has fallen behind Will Levis and Mason Rudolph on the Titans' depth chart. He has started three career games, throwing for 276 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions.

His numbers aren't great, but the former third-round pick has the potential to become a quality backup in Green Bay.

"Willis is the hot name at the quarterback position and has more upside than any signal-caller in this year's draft," Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline wrote in 2022. "He is an athletic player who flashes brilliance, yet he will need a lot of work on his game before he's NFL-ready."

It's a fascinating move by the Packers. Willis hasn't looked ready for the NFL when he has started, but the talent and potential is obvious.

In his final season at Liberty, Willis threw for 2,862 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while rushing for 878 yards and 13 touchdowns. He can make big plays on the ground.

There is risk, as Willis hasn't played well in his NFL career, but the Packers are banking on his potential.

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