The NFL is a league where one team’s misfortune is another’s opportunity. With Derek Carr potentially out for all of 2025 with a shoulder injury, the New Orleans Saints are scrambling to find a quarterback. For the Green Bay Packers, this could be a domino effect that helps them in the long run, especially when it comes to Malik Willis.
Derek Carr’s Injury Creates Chaos in New Orleans
If Carr can’t play the Saints will almost certainly draft a quarterback in two weeks. But it’s not that simple. Shedeur Sanders might not fall to the 9th pick and drafting other quarterbacks early would feel like a reach. Even, if they go Day 2 they should give a rookie time to develop behind a veteran starter.
But here’s the thing: New Orleans isn’t exactly in a position to invest in an aging veteran with their current cap situation. Last year, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener got chances under center and both were a mess. That’s where Malik Willis comes in.
Why Malik Willis Could Be the Perfect Fit for the Saints?
Willis is only 25 so he has upside as a long term solution. He hasn’t lived up to his 2nd round pick yet but his recent play with the Packers has gotten some of his value back. A trade for him wouldn’t require a huge investment—a 3rd round pick could do it. Coincidentally, the Saints have 2 3rds and the 93rd overall pick is a reasonable enough to get Green Bay to move him.
Plus, he’s on his rookie contract so he’s an affordable option for a cash strapped team like the Saints. This gives them flexibility and allows them to develop Willis into their QB of the future without breaking the bank.
Malik Willis’ Resurgence in Green Bay
When the Packers traded for Malik Willis last year for a 7th round pick nobody thought he’d be this big of a deal. But over 4 games including starts against the Colts and Titans he showed flashes.
In Week 2 against Indy Matt LaFleur rode the run hard but when called upon Willis was nearly perfect through the air. Against Tennessee he shined brightest, 13 of 19 for 202 yards and a TD and 73 rushing yards and another TD on 6 carries. His ability to create outside structure gives him value even if he’s never going to be a high volume passer.
Willis got a scaled back playbook to protect him, but he showed us, he’s more than capable of stepping in when needed. He’s become an asset and now the Packers may trade him for the right price.
What Makes a Trade Work for the Packers?
If the Packers move Willis, it has to cost them. He’s in the final year of his rookie deal and has a $1.4 million cap hit in 2025. If he’s traded, all the salary is assumed by the acquiring team, and there’s no dead money for the Packers.
But moving Willis creates a hole at backup quarterback. Free agent options like Carson Wentz or Desmond Ridder aren’t exactly inspiring as a replacement. To take that risk, the compensation has to be big.
The Packers have financial constraints heading into 2026. If Willis walks into free agency next offseason, the Packers get a compensatory pick in 2027. Any trade this year has to be better than that. A 5th rounder won’t cut it; even a 4th might not be enough. But a Day 2 pick? Now we’re talking.
Brian Gutekunst has always prioritized top 100 picks. Remember the Rasul Douglas trade? Or the Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams blockbuster deals? The Packers love accumulating picks, and a Willis trade could give them exactly that.
Why This Move Benefits Both Teams?
For the Saints, it brings stability and a bridge to their rookie draft pick and doesn’t commit too many resources to a stopgap veteran. For the Packers, it brings back valuable draft capital and allows them to address other needs.
Losing Willis means taking a step back at QB2, but the front office has shown they can find ways to adapt. Whether it’s a developmental prospect or a low cost veteran, they’ll figure it out. And with Jordan Love locked in as the starter, the immediate impact would be
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