The Tennessee Titans traded up to the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft and selected their quarterback of the future in Liberty’s Malik Willis.
The deal saw the Titans send the Las Vegas Raiders their No. 90 and No. 169 overall picks in exchange for the No. 86 pick that landed Tennessee Willis, who slide far further than anyone expected.
After Ryan Tannehill’s debacle in the divisional round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals this past season, it was always a possibility Tennessee would look to the future at the quarterback position.
Now, they have their man in Willis, who figures to need some time to develop, which is fine with Tannehill set to lead the team again.
Looking ahead to 2023, the Titans can get out of Tannehill’s contract with a $9.6 million dead cap hit if they trade or cut him with a post-June 1 designation.
Barring Tannehill putting together an unbelievable season that ends with a Super Bowl or Willis absolutely bombing, that move seems even more inevitable than it already did.
The Liberty product offers a strong arm and elite athleticism, two traits he flashed during the 2022 NFL Combine and his pro day. He’s an intriguing prospect to say the least and has arguably the highest ceiling of any signal-caller in this year’s draft.
Tennessee is now done with Day 2 after making three picks. On Day 3, the Titans will have five more picks, including two apiece in the fourth (Nos. 131 and 143), and sixth rounds (Nos. 204 and 219), and one in the fifth round (No. 163).
More coming…
