Packers acquire QB Malik Willis in trade with Titans, sources say - ESPN
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur hinted after Saturday's preseason finale that his backup quarterback might not be someone who was already on the roster. Two days later, that's exactly how it played out.
The Packers on Monday traded a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to the Tennessee Titans for quarterback Malik Willis, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Willis is expected to back up Jordan Love this season.
The Packers held a summerlong competition between second-year pro Sean Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt to serve as Love's backup — a job Clifford held last season as a rookie. The Packers drafted Clifford in the fifth-round last year and Pratt in the seventh round this year.
While both had their moments, neither stood out enough to convince the Packers that they could win games if something happened to Love.
When asked after the preseason finale whether they had good enough options behind Love, LaFleur said on Saturday: «We'll see.»
«There were some really good moments and then there were some things we absolutely have to do better,» LaFleur said. «And then we'll evaluate everything that's out there for us.»
It's possible the Packers will keep Clifford or Pratt on the roster, at least until they can get Willis up to speed on the offense. It might be too much to ask of Willis to serve as the No. 2 quarterback for the season opener against the Eagles in 11 days. However, a source said Clifford was «likely gone,» meaning he probably would be released by Tuesday's mandatory roster cut to 53. If that's the case, then perhaps Pratt will either make the initial 53 or sign to the practice squad if he clears waivers. In the case of the latter, he could be used as a practice-squad elevation for game day.
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