Just one offseason ago it looked like Liberty standout Malik Willis was going to be the quarterback of the future for the Tennessee Titans. Instead, he is reportedly in jeopardy of being cut by the organization.
Willis didn’t have the kind of impact that many had hoped when he did receive an opportunity to play last season. He started three games for the Titans, failing to throw for 100 passing yards in any of his appearances.
This led to the team opting to select Kentucky’s Will Levis in the 2023 NFL Draft, a move that longtime team writer Jim Wyatt says could lead to Willis being cut by the team this offseason.
“Malik’s roster spot isn’t guaranteed, even with the new rule,” Wyatt wrote in response to a fan question about Willis. “Ryan Tannehill and Will Levis will be on the 53-man roster because Tannehill is the starter, and Levis was the 33rd overall pick and he’s going to be given time. So, Malik needs to keep improving, and earn his spot.”
Wyatt did add that he ultimately believes that Willis will earn his spot on the 53-man roster. Regardless, it is still obviously shocking to hear that the Titans have seemingly given up on Willis so quickly.
This report is particularly shocking considering the league recently brought back the “third quarterback rule”, meaning that teams can once again field a third quarterback on their roster without that player counting against their 53-man roster.