The Green Bay Packers, two years ago, sent a seventh round pick to the Tennessee Titans for quarterback Malik Willis. At the time, Green Bay had realized that the two quarterbacks they had during training camp and the preseason were not good enough to be the backup to Jordan Love. As a result, general manager Brian Gutekunst brought Willis to the Packers in what might be one of the most brilliant moves of his tenure.
In two seasons as Love’s backup, Willis has a 78.7% completion percentage, 972 passing yards, six touchdown passes, no interceptions, and a 134.6 passer rating.
Now entering free agency for the first time in his career, Willis is expected to sign with an NFL team that will give him the chance to start and pay him, perhaps, $30 million a year.
Once Willis signs, the Packers will need to replace him. And another resurrection project may have just presented itself.
The Green Bay Packers could trade for Anthony Richardson to replace Malik Wills
Back in 2023, the Indianapolis Colts thought they had taken their next franchise quarterback when they selected Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Over the last three seasons, though, Richardson has dealt with injuries and has played terribly when healthy.
In parts of the last three years, Richardson has a 50.6% completion percentage, 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 67.8.
On Thursday, it was reported that the Colts, who have Daniel Jones under center now, have given Richardson permission to seek out a trade:
NEWS: The Indianapolis Colts have given QB Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade given his uncertain future in Indy, ESPN has learned.
Story upcoming on https://t.co/5nxkndQ3MZ.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 26, 2026
Based on what Matt LaFleur and his coaching staff were able to do with Willis, the Packers would certainly be an attractive destination for Richardson.
He is, though, entering the final year of his rookie contract. If Green Bay were to acquire him, he likely would only be around for one season.
That being said, the fact that he is not a long-term solution to any question on any team would make the asking price for Richardson low.
Perhaps Gutekunst would be willing to part with another seventh round pick to give LaFleur his next redemption project.
