Packers quiet weapon keeps making a case for himself as a new NFL opportunity comes into view

Malik Willis has been excellent as the Packers’ backup quarterback, and he deserves another chance to start in the NFL.

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Whenever the Green Bay Packers need, Malik Willis delivers. Yes, the team ended up losing to the Chicago Bears on Saturday night in heartbreaking fashion, but the offense once again got everything someone could hope for from a backup quarterback.

“I thought Malik went in there and did a hell of a job,” head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game. “He was poised, made some plays with his legs, made some plays with his arm, made some off-schedule plays. It felt like the operation was pretty smooth for the most part, but just not enough at the end, obviously.”

With Jordan Love still in the concussion protocol, Willis has to overcome his own shoulder injury this week to fully prepare if he’s needed again next Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Big opportunity to prove his worth

Malik Willis was mostly perceived as a first-round prospect back in 2022, but fell to the third round. His first few years with the Tennessee Titans were rough, and the Packers were able to acquire him for a seventh-rounder last year. That was an inspired move by general manager Brian Gutekunst.

Willis had already been used and played at a high level last year. In 2025, he’s appeared in three games, more extensively against the New York Giants and now versus the Bears. Malik has completed 85% of his passes, with three touchdowns, no interceptions, and an impressive 146.1 passer rating.

“I thought there were a lot of great things that he did,” LaFleur added on Sunday. “And when plays weren’t there, I thought he did a good job using his legs. It’s great to have a guy like that who can go in and you feel confident can move the football.”

The passing offense has some limitations when Jordan Love is not out there, but Willis adds more elements that allow the unit to survive, for the most part, at least for short periods of time.

The future is intriguing

When Malik Willis lost his starting job with the Titans, it was hard to imagine many more chances. But Willis has been so impressive for the Packers that it’s fair to project his future.

After two years in Green Bay, Willis becomes a free agent next offseason. The Packers would certainly like to keep him as a backup. But if another team wants to give Willis a chance to at least compete for the starting job, the Packers might get priced out of that run.

Matt LaFleur himself said he sees Willis as a starting-caliber quarterback at the NFL level. The future brings uncertainty for what will happen to the young quarterback. But for now, the Packers feel pretty good with what they have behind Jordan Love.

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