Packers Backup QB's strong 2025 preseason is a good thing for Packers, Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis was the team’s best QB of the 2025 preseason. In fact, it wasn’t particularly close, either.

Willis put a ribbon on his 2025 summer in the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks, tossing a touchdown in a 20–7 Packers win at Lambeau Field. It wasn’t just the score; it was the command — clean mechanics, quick decisions, and a calm two-minute temperament that looked regular-season ready. 

The Packers brought Willis in to steady the quarterback room behind Jordan Love, and his August validated the bet. Inside 1265 Lombardi Ave., the takeaway is simple: a trustworthy QB2 lets Matt LaFleur manage Love’s workload, raises the quality of scout-team looks, and keeps the offense on schedule if adversity hits. Roster projections now slot Willis as the clear No. 2, with a younger passer earmarked for the practice squad. 

It’s been pretty obvious throughout training camp and the preseason that Willis currently has a tighter grasp on LaFleur’s system than the younger reserves, and there’s no doubt players believe in him when he’s in the huddle. Translation? He would be a fine starter for Green Bay if anything should happen to Love — whether it’s a short-term injury or protecting the franchise QB from unnecessary preseason snaps.

We’re a long way from any scenario where Love isn’t “the guy,” but it’s clear that Willis’s continued development has raised the standard in 2025. The Packers’ QB room is no longer Love-or-bust; Willis’s stock is rising almost as fast as his value inside the locker room.

If there’s one thing that helps NFL players — the real-deal players — reach their maximum upside, it’s competition. It’s also the fear of losing their job. For the first time in a while, there’s at least a little of that healthy pressure in Green Bay’s QB room. And, no, it won’t be a 2025 QB1 controversy. The Packers will ride with Love while Willis sharpens the room and keeps the offense ready. But if the moment ever calls? Or if the offense needs a steady hand for a stretch? All options are on the table.

The awesome Malik Willis story could reach new heights if the unexpected happens. Love has as strong a competitive spirit as anyone on the roster, and if anything will keep him razor-sharp in a division race, it’s the surging, steady presence of Willis right behind him.