Football is especially challenging during this period. Players often lose their jobs, and many may not find new opportunities in the NFL. Trades are also complex; even if the move eventually benefits the player, they must relocate to an unfamiliar city, adapt to a new system, and get to know new teammates.
This is the current situation for quarterback Malik Willis. On Monday night, Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan informed him that he had been traded to the Green Bay Packers. In about 40 hours, he flew to Wisconsin, passed his physical, and joined the Packers. Although it’s a difficult transition, Willis is determined to make the best of it.
“They (Carthon and Callahan) said it’s all about how I perceive it—positively or negatively,” Willis said. “This is an opportunity to come in as a backup and improve each day. I didn’t expect to be traded, so it was a surprise. There’s no time to dwell; it’s time to move forward.”
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst explained his rationale for the trade.
“Malik is in his third year and has shown considerable progress, especially in this preseason,” Gutekunst said. “We saw a chance to add a player who can make plays with both his arm and his legs. We’re eager to get him in and see how it goes.”
Malik Willis has faced instability as a quarterback in the NFL. He worked with offensive coordinator Todd Downing in 2022, then with Tim Kelly, who became offensive coordinator in 2023. This year, with a new coaching staff, head coach Brian Callahan and offensive coordinator Nick Holz introduced a new system.
Despite the changes, Willis is somewhat acquainted with the Packers’ offensive system. This familiarity comes from Downing’s system being similar to what Matt LaFleur used as the Titans’ offensive coordinator in 2018. Additionally, Callahan worked with Zac Taylor, who collaborated with LaFleur at the Los Angeles Rams in 2017.
“I think there’s definitely some crossover between what we did this year with Callahan and what we did during my rookie year in terms of terminology and system structure,” Willis said. “I’ll become more familiar with it as time goes on.”
The Packers have retained only Jordan Love and Malik Willis on the 53-man roster, releasing Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt. Clifford has rejoined the practice squad with the potential to be promoted to the active roster for games early in the season while Willis adjusts. Pratt has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad.
