The Green Bay Packers look ready for another serious Super Bowl run - but their chances of making the big game could be put at risk over talks of a key trade away from Wisconsin.
Green Bay have made a great start to the NFL season with two wins from two so far. They beat the Detroit Lions in Week 1, before they convincingly defeated the Washington Commanders on Friday night.
It has left NFL fans debating whether the Packers could make their first Super Bowl appearance since 2011, when they overcame the Pittsburgh Steelers.
At the centre of their hopes this year will be the form of their influential quarterback Jordan Love. The 26-year-old has been a key player for the Packers since he was drafted in 2020, making the playoffs in his first two seasons.
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But if Love was to get injured, Packers fans would feel assured that back-up Malik Willis has the ability to deliver if he is called upon.
Now, reports have emerged that Willis could leave Green Bay, with the Cincinnati Bengals wanting to strengthen their roster after Joe Burrow's injury.
The Bengals have lost their quarterback for three months to a toe injury.
ESPN's Adam Schetter reported; "The Bengals have been calling around to other free-agent quarterbacks since after Joe Burrow's injury, knowing they will have to add at least one more to their roster."
NFL insider Easton Butler confirmed the Bengals' interest in Willis.
Although he did not indicate whether the Packers would engage with talks, it is believed that they would only consider a huge offer.
Who is Malik Willis?
Willis entered the NFL as a third round draft pick in 2022, joining the Tennessee Titans on a four-year contract. He was traded to the Green Bay Packers in 2024 for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
When Love went off with injury in the opening game of last season, Willis was thrown in as a starter.
He impressed on his debut, making his first career touchdown pass on the way to a 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Love was again impressive in a victory over the Tennessee Titans, before he led the Packers to a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Although it is still early days in his career, Willis has already proven himself to be a capable back-up.
His impressive performances last season demonstrated just how important it is to have a strong back-up quarterback.
With the Packers one of the favourites to make next year's Super Bowl, it is important they have depth at quarterback should Love encounter injury problems going deeper in to the year.
Topics: NFL
James Taylor