Packers swap Williams quarterbacks

The Green Bay Packers signed quarterback Marquise Williams and released quarterback Ryan Williams, an even swap that will keep their roster at 89 players (counting unsigned Kenny Clark).

Marquise Williams was a senior at North Carolina last season, leading the Tar Heels to an 11-1 regular-season record. North Carolina eventually lost to Clemson in the ACC title game and Baylor in the Russell Athletic Bowl, but it was one of its best football seasons in program history.

As a senior, Marquise Williams completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 3,068 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.  The 6-foot-2, 220-pound quarterback threw for almost 8,000 yards in his career with 61 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He was named second-team All-ACC by league coaches last season.

Marquise Williams could compete with former Wesley quarterback Joe Callahan for a spot on the Packers practice squad. Ryan Williams figured to be in that competition before being released. He signed with the Packers on Jan. 5.

rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood