N※N

Packers Eyeing Zach Wilson as Potential Willis Replacement

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. zach-wilson-as-potential-willis-replacement.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, March 17th 2026 at 19:40 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Green Bay, WI - March 17, 2026 - The Green Bay Packers may be poised to move on from quarterback Malik Willis, signaling a potential shakeup in their quarterback room. While the team continues to build around established starter Jordan Love, the lack of consistent performance and development from Willis, drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, is reportedly pushing the Packers to explore veteran options. According to sources and reporting from Sporting News, former New York Jets and current Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson is emerging as a strong candidate to replace Willis as the primary backup.

Willis has struggled to find his footing in the NFL, failing to demonstrate the progression the Packers hoped for when they selected him. His completion percentage hovers around the 50% mark, and he's demonstrated a concerning tendency to force throws into tight coverage, resulting in turnovers. While possessing undeniable athletic ability, Willis has consistently lacked the accuracy and decision-making skills needed to thrive in a complex NFL offense. This has led to increasing speculation that the Packers will seek a more seasoned presence behind Love.

This is where Zach Wilson comes into the picture. Drafted second overall in 2021, Wilson's career with the Jets was largely considered a disappointment. Despite flashes of potential, he battled inconsistency, poor decision-making, and a lack of command of the offense. The Jets ultimately traded him to the Denver Broncos mid-season for a third-round pick, effectively admitting their investment had not paid off.

Currently, Wilson serves as a backup to Russell Wilson in Denver and has yet to see regular season action with his new team. However, Sporting News' Ty Dunne reports a "strong buzz" surrounding the Packers' interest in acquiring him. The key connection, it appears, lies with Packers offensive coordinator Tom Clements. Clements served as Wilson's quarterback coach during his rookie season with the Jets in 2021.

The potential for Clements to rekindle Wilson's early promise is a significant factor in Green Bay's evaluation. Clements is a highly respected quarterback coach known for his ability to identify and nurture talent. His prior work with Wilson provides him with a unique understanding of the quarterback's strengths and weaknesses, and crucially, how to best utilize those strengths within a structured offensive system. The Packers believe that a fresh start and familiar coaching environment could allow Wilson to finally realize his potential.

Trading Willis would be a difficult decision for the Packers. Drafting a quarterback requires significant investment, both in terms of draft capital and coaching resources. Admitting that Willis isn't the answer after only a couple of seasons could be seen as a setback. However, the Packers' front office appears willing to prioritize finding the best possible backup to support Jordan Love and protect the team's long-term success. They recognize that a reliable backup is crucial, especially in today's NFL where injuries are commonplace.

Beyond the potential acquisition of Wilson, the Packers are also actively assessing their options in the upcoming NFL Draft. Reports suggest they are targeting players who can contribute immediately on the defensive side of the ball, with a particular emphasis on edge rushers and cornerbacks. (See: [ Packers' top draft targets ]).

Meanwhile, the team recently secured veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark to a new contract, further solidifying their defensive line. (See: [ Packers' Kenny Clark lands new contract ]). Jordan Love himself is reportedly focused on refining his pre-snap reads and improving his deep ball accuracy during the offseason. (See: [ Packers' Jordan Love reveals what he's working on ]).

The Packers' offseason strategy appears to be a blend of supporting their established core, adding depth through the draft, and exploring cost-effective veteran additions. The potential acquisition of Zach Wilson, while a gamble given his past performance, represents a calculated risk with the potential for a significant reward. If Clements can unlock Wilson's potential, the Packers could find themselves with a capable and experienced backup quarterback who can provide stability and depth to their roster.