Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Wed 10/25/23 11:59 AM

Willis is a candidate to see snaps in Sunday's game against Falcons, though the Titans are preparing Will Levis to start and see the bulk of the playing time at quarterback in the expected absence of Ryan Tannehill (ankle), Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Added clarity on the Titans' plans at quarterback should emerge in the coming days, but if Tannehill is indeed ruled out ahead of the Week 8 contest, Tennessee looks as though it'll give Levis the first opportunity to replace the veteran signal-caller. Willis has been active ahead of Levis as the Titans' No. 2 quarterback for each of the team's first six games and has made two appearances, completing four of five pass attempts for 74 yards while adding 17 yards on three carries and taking four sacks. If the Titans do in fact opt for a timeshare arrangement between Levis and Willis in Week 8, the latter could be deployed as more of a change-of-pace option than a traditional pocket passer due to his rushing ability.

Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Sun 10/15/23 2:10 PM

Willis completed four of five passes for 74 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Ravens. He added three rushes for 17 yards.
EDGE Analysis
Willis entered the game in relief of an injured Ryan Tannehill (ankle) early in the fourth quarter and led a comeback effort for the Titans. His stat line looks positive, though he benefitted significantly from a 48-yard catch and run from Tyjae Spears that came almost entirely after the reception. While Willis showed off some ability with his legs, he also took four sacks that ultimately stalled a long drive. The Titans will head into a bye week, which will give Tannehill the opportunity to get healthy. However, it's also possible that Willis or Will Levis will line up for a Week 8 start against the Falcons.

Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Sun 9/10/23 12:06 PM

Willis is active and will serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Ryan Tannehill on Sunday versus New Orleans, Joe Rexrode of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Willis and rookie second-round pick Will Levis were competing for the top backup spot during preseason action, and it appears the former has won the job for now, as the latter is a healthy scratch for Week 1. Willis struggled in limited action last year but will be the first man up if Tannehill is sidelined again in 2023.

Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Fri 8/25/23 11:28 PM

Willis completed 15 of 20 passes for 211 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions in Friday's 23-7 preseason win over New England.
EDGE Analysis
Ryan Tannehill played three snaps without throwing a pass attempt, while Will Levis (thigh) was held out entirely despite saying Wednesday that he expected to be ready. Willis surprisingly ran for only 17 yards despite playing the entire night after the first drive, instead providing an entertaining mix of good and bad plays with his right arm. He and Levis have been competing for the No. 2 QB job this summer, and the winner heading into Week 1 won't necessarily retain the spot throughout the season.

Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Sun 8/20/23 12:33 AM

Willis completed 10 of 17 passes for 85 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Saturday's 24-16 preseason win over the Vikings. He added 11 rushes for 91 yards.
EDGE Analysis
Willis was the only Titans quarterback to take the field, and he got a lot of valuable reps in the process. His results were inconsistent as he missed a couple open receivers and also threw a pick, though he also showed more poise in the pocket and delivered a number of accurate passes down the field. Willis also showcased his rushing ability, providing multiple paths to big plays. He is battling Will Levis (lower body) for the backup quarterback job and has taken a step forward as he heads into his second professional season.

Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Sat 8/19/23 11:41 AM

Willis is expected to be under center for the Titans for the entirety of Saturday's exhibition game against the Vikings, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Willis' big workload comes at the expense of Will Levis, who is dealing with a lower body issue. As a result, the second-year signal caller will get an opportunity to showcase his talents for a full game. He completed 16 of 25 passes for 189 yards and one interception in Tennessee's opening preseason contest against the Bears, while adding 22 yards and one touchdown across three carries on the ground. Willis alternated possessions with Levis in that contest.

Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Sat 8/12/23 4:28 PM

Willis completed 16 of 25 pass attempts for 189 yards and one interception in Tennessee's preseason game against Chicago on Saturday, adding 22 yards and one touchdown on three carries.
EDGE Analysis
Willis started but then rotated series with second-round pick rookie Will Levis, who finished 9-of-14 for 85 yards and an interception. Both quarterbacks struggled to handle the pass rush, as each was sacked four times. It's not clear what this game means for the competition between Willis and Levis behind starter Ryan Tannehill, but it seems safe to say that Willis had the better production in this game. Levis had only a six-yard carry as a runner, and he incurred four sacks on just 14 attempts, which looks worse than Willis' four sacks versus 25 attempts. The competition figures to be ongoing.

Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Sat 8/12/23 12:20 PM

Willis is expected to start Saturday's preseason game versus the Bears, but he'll likely rotate series with Will Levis, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
Ryan Tannehill is still viewed as the Titans' starting quarterback, so he'll take a seat for the team's first exhibition contest. In his stead, Willis, a 2022 third-round pick, will take the field first, but he's slated to split work with Levis, a rookie second-round pick. Willis has a high upside, but he struggled in limited action last year, completing just 51 percent of his passes while throwing three picks and zero touchdowns.

Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Mon 5/1/23 11:01 PM

Willis remains the backup quarterback in the immediate aftermath of the draft, but he will have to earn the role moving forward, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
The Titans selected Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, so to call his future with the team into question appears drastic on the surface. However, after he struggled immensely in limited action as a rookie, Tennessee opted to spend an early second-round selection on Will Levis in this year's draft. Ryan Tannehill remains the clear starter for the time being, though coach Mike Vrabel said that he will let the player's performance dictate their spot on the depth chart as the season draws closer. As a result, Willis is heading into a pivotal time for his pro career, even though he's entering only his second season.

Malik Willis
QB MIA (12)
Mon 1/2/23 5:14 PM

Willis will operate as the backup quarterback behind Joshua Dobbs for Saturday's regular-season finale against Jacksonville, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
With Ryan Tannehill (ankle) on injured reserve, Willis drew the start Week 16, but he threw two interceptions and was benched for Week 17. While the Titans lost to Dallas last Thursday, Vrabel said he was encouraged by the way Dobbs played and is confident in the veteran's ability. Willis is a rookie third-round pick and figures to have a future in Tennessee, but barring an injury, it appears like he'll be relegated to bench duties for the remainder of the 2022 campaign.