• The Green Bay Packers worked out former Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson as Malik Willis trade rumors heat up.
• The Cincinnati Bengals, after losing Joe Burrow to a toe injury, have inquired about a potential Malik Willis trade.
• Thompson-Robinson, a 2023 fifth-round pick, brings athleticism but struggled in Cleveland with a 53.4% completion rate.
• The Packers also auditioned two wide receivers after losing starter Jayden Reed to a broken collarbone.
• With a 2-0 start in 2025, Green Bay is focused on maintaining depth to keep their momentum.

Packers’ QB Shuffle Sparks Intrigue

The Green Bay Packers are making strategic moves to strengthen their roster as they ride a 2-0 start in the 2025 NFL season. 

As a Packers fan who’s seen the importance of depth in big games, the buzz around a possible Malik Willis trade has me intrigued. This week, the team worked out former Cleveland Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a move that comes amid trade interest in backup Malik Willis from the Cincinnati Bengals. 

With a key injury to a starting wide receiver, Green Bay is clearly preparing for all scenarios to keep their hot streak alive.

Let’s dive into the Malik Willis trade rumors, the quarterback workout, and the Packers’ efforts to bolster their receiving corps.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s Workout: A Backup Plan?

On Monday, the Packers hosted Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a 2023 fifth-round pick by the Browns, for a workout alongside three other players, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Thompson-Robinson started five games over two seasons in Cleveland, completing 53.4% of his passes for 747 yards, one touchdown, seven interceptions, and four fumbles. 

Read more: Packers Jayden Daniels Prediction

While his stats weren’t impressive, his dual-threat ability makes him a potential fit for Green Bay’s quarterback depth behind starter Jordan Love, backup Malik Willis, and practice-squad QB Clayton Tune.

The timing of the workout ties directly to the Malik Willis trade chatter. The Cincinnati Bengals, now 2-0 but without star QB Joe Burrow due to a long-term toe injury requiring surgery, reached out about Willis’ availability after Green Bay’s Week 2 win over Jacksonville, per Packer Report’s Easton Butler. 

Cincinnati trusts backup Jake Browning but is exploring options, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. If the Bengals offer a strong deal for Willis—a 2022 third-round pick—the Packers might consider it, similar to their 2023 trade of Rasul Douglas for a good return.

Why Explore a Malik Willis Trade?

While Green Bay isn’t eager to move Willis, a premium offer could be tempting, especially with Thompson-Robinson as a potential replacement. 

It’s like keeping a spare tire in your car—you hope you don’t need it, but you’re ready if the situation calls for it. Willis has shown he’s a capable backup, so any trade would need to bring significant value to a team off to a strong start.

Read also: Unpacking the Packers Trade for Micah Parsons

Wide Receiver Woes: Reinforcing After Reed’s Injury

Beyond the quarterback situation, the Packers worked out rookie cornerback B.J. Adams and wide receivers Kobe Hudon and Michael Woods to address depth needs. 

The focus on receivers is critical after starter Jayden Reed suffered a broken collarbone in their Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders. Reed’s injury leaves a gap, even with five healthy wideouts on the active roster.

Kobe Hudon is a standout prospect. The 6-foot-1, 199-pound UCF alum caught 130 passes for 2,311 yards and 19 touchdowns in college, making him a strong candidate for the practice squad or a roster spot if Green Bay promotes a receiver after placing Reed on injured reserve. The team also has practice-squad options like veteran Mecole Hardman Jr., and rookies Isaiah Neyor and Will Sheppard for flexibility.

Current Packers QB and WR Depth

• Quarterbacks:
  • Starter: Jordan Love
  • Backup: Malik Willis
  • Practice Squad: Clayton Tune
• Healthy Wide Receivers (Active Roster):
  • Five available, excluding Jayden Reed
• Practice Squad WR Options:
  • Mecole Hardman Jr., Isaiah Neyor, Will Sheppard

Why This Matters for Green Bay

The Packers’ 2-0 start, with wins over the Lions and Commanders, has fans buzzing about 2025. But the Malik Willis trade rumors and Reed’s injury highlight how quickly things can shift in the NFL. 

Bringing in Thompson-Robinson shows Green Bay is proactive about quarterback depth, while auditioning receivers like Hudon ensures the offense stays potent. It’s like stocking your pantry before a big storm—you want to be ready for anything.

As a fan, I’ve learned depth is what makes or breaks a season. These moves show the Packers are thinking ahead to stay competitive in a tough NFC North.

Looking Ahead: Packers vs. Browns and Beyond

The Packers face the Cleveland Browns on September 21, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, a chance to test their depth against a familiar opponent. 

Whether Thompson-Robinson or a new receiver joins the roster by then is unclear, but these workouts prove Green Bay is planning for the long haul. If the Malik Willis trade doesn’t materialize, he remains a solid backup for Love. If it does, the Packers are already scouting options to keep the momentum going.

For fans, this is an exciting time. I’ve cheered through countless games at Lambeau, and this team’s proactive approach feels like a step toward a deep playoff run. 

With a 2-0 record and a front office making smart moves, the Packers are building something special. Here’s to keeping the fire burning and seeing who steps up next.

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.