The Tennessee Titans traded Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers a few weeks ago after it was clear he wasn't the answer in Nashville. Packers fans were probably hoping that they'd never have to see Willis take the field except for kneeldowns at the end of a blowout but due to a Week 1 injury to Jordan Love, Willis was thrust into action sooner than anyone hoped.
Well, on just his second drive as the Packers starting quarterback, Willis helped lead the Green Bay offense down the field and 11 plays into the drive, he threw his first touchdown pass of his NFL career. Willis connected with Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks on a 14-yard touchdown to put the Pack up 10-0 over the Colts.
Malik Willis throws his first NFL TD pass!#INDvsGB pic.twitter.com/c2ALcrhUN6
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 15, 2024
While this hurt the Colts, it also hurt Titans fans seeing Willis instantly look like a competent quarterback in Green Bay after not showing anything while suiting up in Tennessee.
Malik Willis scores first NFL TD
The Titans spent a third-round pick on Willis in the 2022 NFL Draft after he put together an incredible season at Liberty. It was pretty clear early on that Willis wasn't going to be the franchise quarterback for the Titans, especially once he took meaningful snaps as the starter. Willis failed to throw a touchdown pass in any of his eight appearances during his rookie season and by the time the Titans drafted Will Levis in the second round of the 2023 draft, the writing was on the wall for Willis.
With Levis being elevated to the starter in 2024 and the Titans having signed Mason Rudolph in free agency to serve as the backup, it was clear that there wasn't any room for Willis in the new Titans quarterback room. He was traded to Green Bay and despite being thrown into action sooner than he likely expected, so far into the game, he's doing okay.
If Willis looks like a decent backup, the Titans might look back on this trade with regret.
Oh and to make matters potentially worse, the Titans play Willis and the Packers next week. That could be rough for Titans fans if he continues to play as well as he has so far against the Colts.