In Malik Willis, head coach Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers had an ideal backup quarterback for Jordan Love, and could follow a similar playbook to mine his replacement.
Willis, who spent the past two seasons in Green Bay, after originally being chosen in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans is about to become the highest-paid free agent quarterback this offseason.
Following a strong showing in his appearances in relief of Love, in LaFleur’s system, Willis could command upwards of $30 million on the free agent market, and the Packers could look to another reclamation project for their next backup.
Could the Packers trade for Colts QB Anthony Richardson?
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) throws the ball Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, during Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
After applying the transition tag to quarterback Daniel Jones, the Indianapolis Colts could look to move off former first-round quarterback Anthony Richardson.
According to former NFL quarterback, and current analyst for NFL Media, David Carr, the Packers could be an ideal trade partner for the Colts to offload Richardson to this offseason.
“Malik Willis developed greatly as a backup for two seasons under Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, and now, he’s in line to earn a second starting opportunity in free agency,” Carr writes. “If Willis does sign with another team, Green Bay would be a great fit for Richardson, who would no doubt benefit learning from LaFleur and working behind Jordan Love. The former first-round QB has the talent to play in this league and could be the next quarterback to resurrect his career if he lands in the right system.”
While a trade for the former top-five pick carries inherent risk, the chance to ‘rehab’ a talent like Richardson behind an established starter could allow the Packers to replace Willis with even greater upside—potentially developing a trade asset that far exceeds their initial investment.