The Green Bay Packers went 11-6 in 2024 despite having the youngest roster in the NFL (for the second year in a row) and starting quarterback Jordan Love battling injuries all year long. Indeed, the season could have been a complete disaster if they, without Love after he sprained his knee in Week One, had not won the next two games.

Fortunately, prior to the beginning of the regular season, general manager Brian Gutekunst went out and traded for backup quarterback Malik Willis. Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt had been immensely disappointing in training camp and preseason games. The entire fanbase knew that, if Love went down and one of them was the backup, the Packers would have been in serious trouble.

Fortunately, Gutekunst knew it too. In seven games (two starts) for Green Bay in 2024, Willis completed 74.1% of his passes for 550 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 124.8 passer rating.

Green Bay Packers Quarterback Malik Willis Is a Popular Name in Trade Proposals

Due to his strong performance, Willis has been a name mentioned in many proposed trade articles. Despite not performing well as a starter for the Tennessee Titans during his first two seasons, his performance in 2024 has made him one of the most coveted backup quarterbacks in the NFL.

Additionally, the fact that the Packers could save $1.4 million simply by trading or releasing Willis this offseason has many wondering if he will be playing elsewhere in 2025.

After all, there are plenty of quarterback-needy teams in the NFL who may be willing to send a decent draft pick in a trade for Willis. If the Packers were to release him, he would be scooped up by a different team as soon as he became available.

Cleveland Browns Writer Suggests His Team Trade for Green Bay Packers Quarterback Malik Willis

One team that will be looking for a starting quarterback in 2025 is the Cleveland Browns. Their controversial starter, Deshaun Watson, recently tore his Achilles for the second time this year and will not play next season.

Curtiss Brown, who covers the team for SB Nation, suggested Willis as a possible replacement:

“Willis, who was at one point a starter with the Tennessee Titans was eventually traded to the Green Bay Packers this past offseason. When quarterback Jordan Love went down with a knee injury, Willis stepped in and in his limited time starting he looked better than how he looked when he was in Tennessee.

“Considering how he played in Matt Lafleur’s system (which has some similarities to what Stefanski runs), Willis could work. However, would Green Bay trade him for the right price?

“If Cleveland has to give up a day 3 pick, then it shouldn’t be a hassle. Willis does have some traits that you can work with and his passing needs a bit of refinement in some areas but it’s an option.”

The problem with this proposal is that Green Bay was fortunate to land Willis at the last minute before the season to begin with. Last year proved how important it is to have a quality backup in place just in case Love goes down. As it stands, the Packers do not have one.

If they were to trade Willis, they would likely get an extra draft pick in return, but would have to use it on a quarterback.

It makes much more sense for the team to keep him this year.