Paul Bretl | 8/28/2024

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Brian Gutekunst’s decision to make the trade for now former Tennessee Titans’ quarterback Malik Willis was two-fold. On one hand, as Gutekunst put it, the Packers’ backup quarterback competition underwhelmed. On the other hand, he was impressed by the improvement Willis had made this summer.

“I think certainly there were some underwhelming performances at times,” said Gutekunst of the backup quarterback competition this summer. “But at the same time, Malik is a guy that certainly – he’s in his third-year and he really has shown a lot of progression, particularly this preseason. It was just an opportunity for us to add a guy that I think can not only make plays with his arm but with his legs, as well. I’m excited to get him, get him in the building and see where that goes.”

Willis is entering his third NFL season after being a third-round pick by Tennessee in 2022, and put together a strong preseason performance. Over those three games with the Titans, he completed 74.1 percent of his 27 throws at 7.6 yards per attempt with two touchdowns to one interception, along with rushing for 101 yards at 9.2 yards per carry.

That progress Willis made this summer, and not only in the final numbers he produced but in how he acclimated himself to the new offense and the process component of playing the quarterback position, is what really stood out to Gutekunst. That growth coupled with Willis’ big arm and ability to make plays with his legs are what sparked the Packers’ pursuit.

“I thought this year in particular,” said Gutekunst “and there was a coaching staff change as well, took over the new system, but the way he kind of–his patience, the way he was going through his progressions and able to play from the pocket. When to run, when not to run–those kind of things. I thought, again, it’s a short sample size in the preseason, but I thought he did a nice job. Just again, I think his ability to win with his arm and with his legs was something that attracted us to him.”

In addition to the strides Willis has made this summer, the eventual continuity that the Packers can provide will hopefully help him get to the next level as well. Although it’ll take some time for the continuity aspect of being in LaFleur’s offense to become a benefit for Willis, that element has been missing in his first three NFL seasons. Navigating three offenses in three seasons is by no means the only reason that Willis took some lumps during his first two years, but it didn’t help things either.

“I learned at a crazy rate,” said Willis. “This is my fourth offense going into my third year, so it’s what it is and just being able to adapt has really made me not proud but definitely leaning on that and continuing to just grind and work hard and continuing to let things play out how they’re supposed to.”

Now a part of the Packers, Willis will be tasked with learning as much of the offense as he can before the team’s Week 1 matchup in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles, which is now just 10 days away. It’s always a quick turnaround in the NFL. After being told on Monday he was being traded, Willis arrived in Green Bay Tuesday afternoon, was at the facility well into the night, and then on the practice field Wednesday.

“The process it’s more than anything getting in front of it and learning everything you can,” said Willis about learning a new offense. “Being really a sponge to anything the coaches have, anything the other guys in the room have, anything I can read on my own and watch film and seeing it done, just more than anything repetition. That’s what it is at this point.”

Willis is going to be the Packers’ backup quarterback this season. However, in such a short timeframe to acclimate himself to a new offense, can he be relied upon to fill that role in just a week and a half? That part of the equation is still to be determined.

“We will see,” said LaFleur. “I don’t know. We’ll see how it goes today. I know he’s a pretty smart guy. We’ve had an opportunity to meet with him. It’s not like you’re getting a rookie in here. He does have obviously a foundation. It’s just translating what he’s learned in the past and putting it into our terms, and then coaching him on the run.

“So there’s a lot of work to be done between now and when we have to play our game, but we’ll see where he is at that moment and make the best decision for our football team.

Helping Willis get acclimated to the Packers playbook, a fairly robust one under LaFleur, is his past experience of playing under then Titans’ offensive coordinator Todd Downing, who had spent time under Arthur Smith on the heels of him spending time with LaFleur when he was in Tennessee. As LaFleur put it on Wednesday, there is “a little bit” of crossover in terminology and some of what Willis will be asked to do in Green Bay.

If Willis isn’t quite ready to assume that role, the Packers do have Sean Clifford back on the practice squad and could choose to elevate him to the active roster for Week 1. Despite the very up and down performance throughout training camp and the preseason from Clifford, the Packers brought him back because of what he’s previously shown them he can do, and are willing to rely on him in that backup role early on if that’s what is needed.

“I think we have confidence in him,” said LaFleur of Clifford. “I told Sean, I think we’ve seen him play better than all the things we saw throughout the course of the offseason I would say, from training camp and in those preseason games. He’s just got to get back to really the core fundamentals that allow you to play the game fast. Reading with your feet is one of those. But we certainly still have a lot of confidence in Sean. It’s just the circumstance we’re in right now.”

In his first two seasons, Willis has appeared in seven games. He’s completed just 51 percent of his throws with no touchdowns and three interceptions. Some may view the move to Green Bay as a fresh start for him. However, Willis doesn’t see it that way. Of course, he’s appreciative of the opportunity, and thanked both the Titans and Packers’ organizations in the first question he answered at his locker.

But instead, Willis is more concerned with the day-to-day. He understands that in the NFL, your tape is your resume, and it’s his intention to change those perceptions. Accomplishing that isn’t done by worrying about what’s happened in the past or what could happen in the future, rather it’s about focusing on the process.

“You work hard every day to work on those things that may be deficiencies or just mistakes,” said Willis. “You learn from those bumps and bruises. You just wait for another opportunity. You just stick around until you get another opportunity, and I think that’s been the main thing – focus on the process and not maybe the results.”

Paul Bretl | 8/27/2024

GREEN BAY, Wis. — By 3:00 PM CT on Tuesday afternoon, the Packers along with the rest of the NFL must have their initial 53-man rosters set. As part of this difficult decision-making process, Matt LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst are in constantly communicating.

“We’re in constant communication,” said LaFleur after the Ravens’ game. “I think we come to pretty much a consensus on a majority of the guys. But yeah, we’re in constant communication, just always talking about the roster and there’s gonna be some very tough decisions and sometimes, I’m like, man, I’m glad I don’t have to make the decision.”

Throughout the day, there will be reports of players being cut, and right here I’ll keeping you up to date with those roster moves, along with providing my analysis and observations on each decision. So be sure to bookmark or save this article and continue to check back in throughout the day.

Before beginning, one clarification: we will see reports of players being both released and waived. Players who are released are veterans with four years of accrued NFL experience and will immediately become free agents. Players who are waived have fewer than four years of accrued experience and will go on waivers. If that player goes unclaimed and clears waivers, they then become a free agent.

Packers trade seventh-round pick to Titans for QB Malik Willis

The backup quarterback competition underwhelmed so the Packers went outside the organization to hopefully find an answer. Willis is still a more developmental player, but with his rocket arm and mobility his ceiling is much higher than that of Sean Clifford or Michael Pratt. Willis will be the Packers’ backup and there is no longer room for both Clifford or Pratt. My guess is that the Packers choose Pratt over Clifford, but the other question in all of this is do they roster a third quarterback or try to get one of them back on the practice squad? For more on the addition of Willis, click here.

Packers release OT Caleb Jones per Matt Schneidman

Jones was on the Packers roster the last two seasons as a developmental tackle. However, during the final two weeks of practice in particular, it became clear based on rotations that he was fourth option at tackle among the backups–often playing with the third team offense behind Andre Dillard, Kadeem Telfort, and Travis Glover. Consistency in pass protection was always the big question for Jones.

Packers release WR Samori Toure per Adam Schefter

Ultimately, this receiver room just became too crowded for Toure. Best case scenario was that he was the eighth receiver on the team’s depth chart. He would get some work here and there with the second offense but was mostly with the threes this summer.

Packers release K Anders Carlson per Matt Schneidman

Carlson finished training camp and the preseason with a higher field goal hit rate than Greg Joseph, but any sort of momentum that he had established over the last week seemed to be negated by that missed 32 yard attempt at the end of the Baltimore game. It was an energy zapping moment, reminding everyone once again of the volatility that has come with Carlson. I would presume that an outside addition is going to be made, but we will see. Similarly to when Matt LaFleur was asked about the backup quarterback role after Saturday’s game, he expressed that the Packers would look into all options at kicker.

“We’ve got a really good sample size,” LaFleur said after the Baltimore game, “and then we’ll see what happens just around the league. Certainly, there were some really good moments. Both those guys went in there, hit a 54-yarder and a 55-yarder, and then there’s a poor moment there where we missed a chip shot. You know, again, lot of good. Some we know we can be better at, and we’ll wait and see.”

Packers release TE Joel Wilson per Matt Schneidman

Wilson had a nice stretch over a few practices and in the first preseason game where he saw some opportunities in the passing game with the second and third team offenses. When tight ends coach John Dunn was asked about Wilson’s performance, he mentioned his ability as a route runner standing out. However, base case scenario, Wilson was the fifth tight end on the depth chart.

Packers release OL Luke Tenuta per Bill Huber

Early on in training camp, Tenuta was mentioned among those competing for the swing tackle role, but he would spend most of training camp playing guard, with most of his snaps coming with the third team offense. If among the backups I would categorize Caleb Jones as the fourth tackle option, Tenuta was the fifth.

Packers release WR Jalen Wayne per Bill Huber

Jalen Wayne, the cousin of Reggie Wayne, caught one pass in the preseason eight yards and played eight special teams snaps. He spent his time with the third team offense.

Packers release TE Messiah Swinson per Bill Huber

Swinson was signed following April’s draft as an undrafted rookie out of Arizona State. There he would spend most of his time as a blocker, but has pass-catching upside, often asked to line up in the slot. Huber adds that Swinson “should” be back on the practice squad.

Packers release WR Julian Hicks per Bill Huber

At 6-2 – 201 pounds and having posted a RAS of 9.18, Hicks has measurables that teams will want to take a swing on developing. Huber adds that Hicks is a prime practice squad candidate for the Packers. Hicks had one catch in the preseason for 23 yards, but it was an impressive back-shoulder grab on a throw from Michael Pratt. He also played 13 special teams snaps.

Packers release WR Dimitri Stanley per Aaron Wilson

Stanely went undrafted in April out of Iowa State and signed with the Packers after a rookie camp tryout. He brings ample return experience to the NFL from his time in college. He lined up both from the slot and out wide in the preseason, catching three passes on four targets for 12 yards.

Packers release RB Nate McCrary per Ryan Wood.

McCrary was a very late addition to the Packers roster as they dealt with injuries at running back with both MarShawn Lloyd and AJ Dillon sidelined. In that short timeframe there were limited opportunities for McCrary, but credit to him for making the most of them, averaging 5.4 yards per rush in the preseason, showing good burst with the ball and being difficult to bring down, averaging 3.64 yards after contact. Wood adds that McCrary will be a practice squad candidate.

Packers release LB Chris Russell per Ryan Wood

Russell was another late addition to the Packers training camp roster, providing some needed depth at linebacker when they were without both Ty’Ron Hopper and Edgerrin Cooper. Russell played 31 defensive snaps in the final two games and seven on special teams. He made six total tackles and held pass-catchers to 10 yards on two receptions.

Packers release LB Kristian Welch per Bill Huber

There’s no doubt about it, this was an impressive training camp preseason and training camp performance from Welch, who made an impact on special teams–as we saw from him last season–and on defense as a middle linebacker, which included coming away with two interceptions. However, as I wrote in my roster prediction, with so many draft picks the last two seasons, it’s not easy finding roster space for veterans whose role comes solely on special teams. I would imagine the Packers will try to get him back on the practice squad. For what it’s worth, Welch was released by Baltimore last summer, went unclaimed, and then signed onto the Packers’ practice squad.

Packers release QBs Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt per Ian Rapoport

Once the Packers traded for Willis, it became clear that he was going to be the backup and presumably both Clifford and Pratt would be released. Now, one of them will be back on the practice squad.

Prior to this move for the Packers, the backup quarterback battle between Pratt and Clifford was one of the bigger positional competitions to take place in training camp. However, it also underwhelmed with there being little clarity gained over three preseason games and 19 training camp practices about which player should assume that role.

Through three preseason games, Pratt would complete 65.7 percent of his 35 pass attempts for 178 yards (5.08 yards per attempt) with one touchdown and one interception. His quarterback rating was 78.4. Clifford, meanwhile, would complete 51.1 percent of his 43 passes for 207 yards (4.81 yards per attempt) with one touchdown and one interception. His passer rating was 59.4.

While there were glimpses here and there from each quarterback, inconsistent play and poor decision-making at times were far too prevalent. We often heard Clifford praised for his resiliency and gamer-like play-style, but the moments where those qualities shined through were few and far between. Pratt, meanwhile, like any seventh-round rookie, is navigating a steep learning curve as he transitions to the NFL.

Following the Packers’ preseason finale against the Ravens, with neither Pratt or Clifford unable to instill much confidence, LaFleur hinted at the team exploring options outside of the organization.

“We’ll see,” said Matt LaFleur after the third preseason game when asked if the backup quarterback play was good enough. “Certainly, again, I think it’s similar to the kicking competition in terms of there were some really good moments and then there were some things we absolutely have to do better, and then we’ll evaluate everything that’s out there for us.”

Packers release DE Deslin Alexandre per Matt Schneidman

Alexandre did make a few standout plays as a pass rusher during OTAs but in a crowded defensive end room, making the initial roster wasn’t in play. He was also injured for the first part of training camp, making it more challenging to make a push towards the practice squad as well. Alexandre played in the final two preseason games. He recorded four total tackles and had no pressures.

Packers release DT James Ester per Ryan Wood

As an undrafted rookie, Ester joined a Packers’ position group this offseason that was already well-established. There were never any unknowns about who would make up the defensive tackle position group on the 53-man roster. But Ester showcased his potential, which has the Packers interested in bringing him back on the practice squad. In college at Northern Illinois, he was someone who impacted both the run and passing games. In three preseason games, he recorded three pressures and three total tackles in the run game across 69 total snaps.

Packers release OL Lecitus Smith per Ryan Wood

Ultimately, there just wasn’t room for Smith on the roster with Sean Rhyan or Jordan Morgan, and Jacob Monk as backup interior offensive line options. However, getting Smith back on the practice squad would feel like a win for the Packers. Smith spent the latter portion of training camp playing with the second team offense and has the versatility to play all three interior positions.

Packers release OL Royce Newman per Aaron Wilson

This was an expected move at this point. Newman was entering the final year of his deal, and the Packers already made him rework his contract early in the summer by taking a pay cut. Throughout camp, he provided a veteran presence, playing guard mostly with the second unit but spent some time with the ones when needed. However, over the last two years there has been too much inconsistent play. Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk will now provide the interior depth.

Packers release RB Ellis Merriweather per Matt Schneidman

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Packers want to get Merriweather back on the practice squad as depth at the position–especially with AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd dealing with injuries. He brings a physical running style to the backfield. On 16 carries against the Ravens, Merriweather averaged 4.6 yards per attempt.

Packers release OL Donovan Jennings per Matt Schneidman

Jennings was signed as an undrafted rookie and fits the mold of what the Packers look for in an offensive lineman. He’s a college tackle, who’s a good athlete, and will be asked to play guard in the NFL. An injury early on in training camp put Jennings behind and my guess is that there just wasn’t a long enough runway for him to fully show what he could do when it came to making the team. Schneidman adds that the Packers would like to bring Jennings back on the practice squad.

Paul Bretl | 8/25/2024

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Three preseason games and 19 training camp practices are complete for the Packers. We’ve gained all the information that we can from an evaluation standpoint, along with trying to gauge where things stand on the depth chart based on playing time and rotations.

With league-wide roster cuts needing to be complete by Tuesday, August 27th, here is my one and only Packers’ 53-man roster prediction after taking in training camp and the preseason games.

Quarterback (2): Jordan Love, Michael Pratt

The biggest advantage, in my opinion, that Sean Clifford had over Michael Pratt was his experience. Common qualities we’ve also often heard to describe Clifford are that he’s a gamer and resilient. However, as I detailed recently, we didn’t see those attributes routinely on display. The summer was filled with inconsistency from Clifford. Pratt would certainly take his lumps as well, but was the more efficient and effective quarterback throughout the preseason, while having to navigate the learning curve that comes with making the jump to the NFL.

Running back (3): Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd
Designated to return from IR: AJ Dillon

This is just a guess on my part, but as of Thursday, Matt LaFleur said they were still waiting on opinions before deciding what the next steps are for AJ Dillon who has been sidelined with a stinger. To me, I just don’t get the sense he’ll be ready for Week 1–but I could be wrong. With Lloyd, who is dealing with hamstring injury, again another guess, I’m assuming that with two weeks already missed, he won’t need another six weeks–two weeks before Week 1 plus four weeks on IR–to be ready to go.

Tight end (3): Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Ben Sims
Designated to return from IR: Tyler Davis

Putting Davis, who has been out with a shoulder injury, designated to return from IR is just speculation on may part. We do not know the extent of it or even what the specific injury is, but we’ve recently seen Jordan Morgan miss several weeks with a shoulder injury of his own. I know Davis had a rough performance against Denver, but I do believe he’s been a more steady blocker overall than Sims and we know how highly he is thought of on special teams. Davis can also fill in as the do-it-all H-back, a role held by Josiah Deguara, who saw 12-15 snaps per game late last season.

Wide receiver (6): Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Malik Heath

DuBose or Malik Heath? Flip a coin. Heath finished out the summer on a high note but more than just in that final preseason game, Heath has been playing some good football. Against the Ravens starters in joint practice, he showed the ability to separate. The same thing was true in the preseason game against Denver. The production didn’t always show up, but from a process standpoint–route running, releases, creating space–I thought Heath was the more consistent of the two throughout the summer between him and DuBose.

Offensive line (10): Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom, Jordan Morgan, Jacob Monk, Andre Dillard, Kadeem Telfort, Travis Glover

We know the first seven players are going to be on the team. Based on his play in the preseason and the offensive tackle rotations at practice, I feel confident in saying Dillard will be on the team as well. To me, this decision comes down to keeping Telfort or Glover, or in this instance, I kept both. Again, looking at how each player was used in practice and their overall performance, I have Telfort ahead of Glover on the depth chart. However, as we’ve seen the last two years with Caleb Jones and Luke Tenuta, the Packers have no issue rostering developmental tackles, so I went heavy here.

Defensive line (10): Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, TJ Slaton, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, JJ Enagbare, Brenton Cox

This is pretty cut and dry. Although I will mention that I did consider leaving Cox off of the roster in favor of putting Kristian Welch on at linebacker. The reason that I considered this was because as the fifth member of the rotation, I don’t see him seeing much playing time on defense. He also hasn’t seen a ton of special teams snaps. However, I ultimately kept him because the odds of Cox getting claimed are higher than Welch, who was released by the Ravens last season and went unsigned. Long-term, Welch may not be on the team, but with Preston Smith potentially in his last year or two with the Packers, you can see a path to Cox becoming a member of that rotation.

Linebacker (5): Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson, Ty’Ron Hopper, Edgerrin Cooper

Without having room for Welch, this position group is pretty straight forward. In not having Welch or Zayne Anderson, the Packers will need Hopper and Cooper to make a quick impact on special teams.

Cornerback (6): Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Carrington Valentine, Keisean Nixon, Corey Ballentine, Kalen King

As I wrote recently, Ballentine brings a lot of value on the back end of the roster. He got some work out of the slot this summer, adding some versatility to his game. He’s been a key teams contributor and was quite steady last season when relied upon defensively, playing over 400 snaps. King, meanwhile, flashed playmaking abilities from the slot this summer and brings physicality to the position.

Safety (5): Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, Anthony Johnson, Kitan Oladapo

Overall, I was quite impressed with Anthony Johnson this summer who has taken well to Jeff Hafley’s defense. His snaps may be limited defensively, but if called upon, I like the stability he can provide if needed. Oladapo’s primary role will be on special teams this season, where there will be a learning curve as he didn’t play a ton of teams snaps at Oregon State, but his combination of athleticism and physicality makes him someone who can be really good in this phase of the game.

Specialists (3): Anders Carlson, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech

Over the course of the summer, Carlson had the better hit rate on field goal attempts compared to Greg Joseph. I also think he has the advantage as the younger player who still has some upside that the Packers will want to tap into. Whereas with Joseph, who is in Year 5, we know who he is at this point as a kicker.