Acme Packing Company
Throughout the 2025 NFL season, SB Nation’s Doug Farrar writes about the game’s Secret Superstars — those players whose performances might slip under the radar for whatever reasons. In this installment, we focus on Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis, who has transformed himself from NFL bust to possible starting quarterback, based on what he’s shown in two seasons under Matt LaFleur’s tutelage.
The thing about quarterbacks is that when you need one, you’re willing to do just about anything to get one.
This is why quarterbacks are frequently (and sometimes drastically) overvalued in both the draft, and when they’re available in free agency. The 2026 class of draft quarterbacks may include Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore — we don’t know yet — and even if it does, there are several QB-needy teams at and near the top of the draft order, which of course is a primary reason they’re at or near the top of the draft order.
The 2026 free agency class at the position isn’t exactly overflowing with clarity, and the good ones will most likely be retained. Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts, and that Aaron Rodgers guy, lead the class right now, and beyond that, there’s the usual Russell Wilson, Zach Wilson, Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, and Joe Flacco group in the middle. Nobody you want as a franchise-defining guy.
Which is where one Malik Antonio Willis comes into the picture. Selected with the 86th overall pick in the third round of the 2022 draft out of Liberty by way of Auburn by the Tennessee Titans, Willis was a non-factor with his first NFL team, and the Titans traded him to Green Bay on August 26, 2024 for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Of course, that turned into a bargain for the Packers when Willis replaced the injured Jordan Love in Week 1 of the 2024 season against the Philadelphia Eagles after Love suffered an MCL sprain, and completed 40 of 54 passes as the starter and backup that season. Willis was especially effective in his “revenge game” against the Titans in Week 3. Willis completed 13 of 19 passes for 201 yards, a touchdown, and a passer rating of 120.8, and he had several explosive throws on the day. Willis also showed off his athleticism with six runs for 73 yards and another score. In Green Bay’s 30-14 win, Willis looked every bit a starting-quality quarterback in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
Fast-forward to Green Bay’s Saturday night loss to the Chicago Bears (yeah, I know), when Willis replaced Love after Love suffered a concussion with 8:21 left in the second quarter. The Packers went with a heavy run plan for the rest of the second quarter, and then, with 12:12 left in the third quarter, Willis hit tight end Luke Musgrave for 26 yards on a crosser with receiver Christian Watson — his first of several pro throws on the day.
The coverage shifted post-snap, but Willis’ resolve to uncork...
