The Green Bay Packers Should Extend Malik Willis As A Long Term..

The Green Bay Packers Should Extend Malik Willis as a Long-Term Solution

The Green Bay Packers have historically been one of the NFL’s most successful franchises, known for producing and maintaining elite quarterback talent. From Bart Starr to Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have had remarkable stability under center. With the departure of Rodgers, however, the team has entered a transitional phase, and there’s an opportunity for a new, dynamic talent to step into the spotlight. Malik Willis, currently a backup with the Tennessee Titans, could be the answer the Packers need, and they should seriously consider extending him as a long-term solution.

Willis was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Titans after a stellar college career at Liberty University, where he showcased a rare combination of athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking ability. While his rookie season in Tennessee was uneven, Willis displayed glimpses of his potential to be a game-changer. His ability to extend plays with his legs and his cannon of an arm make him a dual-threat quarterback who can adapt to the modern NFL’s demands. His mobility could provide the Packers with an added layer of versatility that the team has not had in recent years.

The Packers are already building a young, exciting core with wide receivers like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, along with a solid running game anchored by Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Adding a quarterback like Willis into the mix would open up the playbook significantly. He has the tools to thrive in a system that blends both pocket passing and improvisational playmaking, something head coach Matt LaFleur is well-equipped to implement.

One of the most compelling reasons the Packers should extend Malik Willis as a long-term solution is the upside he offers. Though still raw, Willis possesses all the physical traits and leadership qualities needed to become a franchise quarterback. The Packers have a history of patiently developing talent, and they would be wise to adopt a similar approach with Willis. Much like the grooming process Aaron Rodgers underwent behind Brett Favre, Malik Willis could be allowed the time to develop while Green Bay refines his skill set.

Green Bay could look to secure Willis as part of a long-term strategy, perhaps offering him a contract that balances short-term investment with long-term potential. This would allow them to protect their future while avoiding the quarterback carousel that many teams find themselves on. Extending Willis would also provide flexibility for the franchise, as it would enable them to invest heavily in other areas, such as the offensive line or defensive talent, knowing that they have a long-term plan at quarterback.

The Packers have a strong track record when it comes to making strategic quarterback moves. Aaron Rodgers famously sat for three years behind Brett Favre before taking over the starting job, a move that set the Packers up for over a decade of success. The NFL is increasingly dominated by young, mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Fields, and Willis has the potential to fit that mold with proper development.

Rather than taking a gamble on unproven rookies or overpaying for veteran free agents, Green Bay should invest in a young, hungry quarterback like Willis who is eager to prove himself. Given the Packers’ solid infrastructure, including an experienced coaching staff and a talented roster, Willis would have the support necessary to grow into a reliable, high-impact player.

In a league where quarterback play is the most critical factor in long-term success, the Packers need to make a bold move to secure their future. Extending Malik Willis as a long-term option provides them with not just an insurance policy but a potential star in the making. His athleticism, potential, and ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket make him an ideal fit for Green Bay’s evolving offense. With patience and proper development, Willis could very well become the next great quarterback in the Packers’ storied lineage.