A scenario for Malik Willis to become Titans' starter

Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

A scenario for rookie QB Malik Willis to become Titans' starter

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 9/20/22

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Malik Willis got garbage minutes in a 41-7 loss on Monday to the Bills, becoming the first of his draft class to get regular-season action. If the Titans can't pull things together after an 0-2 start, he might get more.

The former Liberty QB didn't fare better than starter Ryan Tannehill, going 1-for-4 for six yards passing and rushing four times for 16 yards. He also lost a fumble.

Malik Willis’ first career NFL turnover. A fumble. pic.twitter.com/rDJKKPsZtE
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) September 20, 2022

The Titans have a relatively easy stretch upcoming, with the Raiders, Colts twice, Commanders and Texans.

If the team falters in that workable stretch, it wouldn't be a shock for Tennessee to sit Tannehill for Willis. While Willis ultimately wound up going in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he received first-round love from some pundits.

A poor season for the Titans could put them in a prime position to draft another quarterback in April. The 2023 NFL Draft could include touted stars Bryce Young of Alabama and C.J. Stroud of Ohio State.

The Titans could cut ties with Tannehill next year and free up $17 million in cap space, per OTC, opening the door for either Willis or a rookie quarterback to take the mantle.

Of course, it's still early, and Tannehill and the Titans could turn things around. If they can't, it could be Willis' time in Tennessee.

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