The NFL offseason never fails to deliver drama, surprises, and speculation. One of the most intriguing storylines developing as the league inches closer to the draft and mandatory minicamps involves the Minnesota Vikings and a potential shift under center. With quarterback Kirk Cousins no longer on the roster and a transitional period underway in Minneapolis, NFL insiders are connecting dots — and one of those dots now links the Vikings to Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
Yes, you read that right. Malik Willis, the former Liberty star and 2022 third-round pick, has re-emerged in trade rumors after a couple of up-and-down seasons in Tennessee. Despite limited playing time, there’s a sense that the athletic 24-year-old still holds untapped potential. And with the Titans appearing to have committed to Will Levis as their quarterback of the future — paired with veteran Ryan Tannehill’s exit — the writing might be on the wall for Willis. If that’s the case, the Vikings have been named by multiple analysts as a logical landing spot.
Minnesota’s quarterback room is in flux following the departure of Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings signed Sam Darnold to a one-year deal this offseason, and while the former No. 3 overall pick has shown flashes throughout his career, he hasn’t cemented himself as a long-term answer at the position. That leaves the door wide open for potential competition — and possibly a high-upside flyer like Willis.
For the Vikings, there are several reasons why this potential match makes sense. First, head coach Kevin O’Connell has proven capable of maximizing quarterback play. Under his guidance, Cousins had one of his most efficient seasons before his Achilles injury. O’Connell’s system emphasizes timing, movement, and quarterback-friendly reads — a scheme in which an athlete like Willis might thrive if given the chance to develop without the pressure of being the immediate starter.
Willis hasn’t had a traditional path in the NFL. Drafted as a raw but tantalizing prospect with elite athleticism, he entered the league with sky-high expectations but minimal readiness. His rookie season saw him thrust into action earlier than anticipated, and his struggles were well-documented — particularly in decision-making and accuracy. However, those issues didn’t appear entirely unfixable. In limited action during the 2023 season, he showed signs of improvement, particularly in his poise and willingness to stay in the pocket. His tools — strong arm, mobility, and toughness — still intrigue evaluators.
From Tennessee’s perspective, a move makes just as much sense. The Titans have ushered in a new era under head coach Brian Callahan, with an offense being reshaped around Levis and new weapons like Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard. Trading Willis now while he still has value could net Tennessee a mid-to-late round draft pick — potentially giving the front office more ammunition to fill out the roster. There’s also a financial incentive. Moving Willis’ contract would create additional cap space, which could be reallocated toward supporting Levis or fortifying the offensive line.
So why Minnesota? According to league sources and insider chatter, the Vikings have quietly been exploring low-cost quarterback options while maintaining flexibility ahead of the draft. While they’ve been connected to quarterbacks in the first round — such as Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and North Carolina’s Drake Maye — it’s far from a guarantee that they’ll be able to move up the board to grab one of those top-tier talents. A trade for Willis wouldn’t preclude a draft-day move, but it would provide an insurance policy in case the board doesn’t fall their way. It also creates a more dynamic and competitive environment in camp.
It’s also worth noting that Willis would cost significantly less in draft capital than acquiring a top-five pick. His contract is manageable, and the Vikings could evaluate him over the course of a full offseason and preseason without committing to him long-term. If he shines, they’ve found a diamond in the rough. If not, they move on with little consequence.
Minnesota’s general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has made it clear that the team is open-minded and data-driven. This is a front office that isn’t afraid to take calculated risks on players with high upside — especially when the cost is minimal. Trading for a player like Willis fits that mold. It also fits their current timeline. With a young nucleus in place — including All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, standout tight end T.J. Hockenson, and second-year wideout Jordan Addison — the Vikings aren’t in full rebuild mode. They’re retooling, and a quarterback with upside could help bridge the gap.
There’s also a stylistic fit to consider. O’Connell’s offense benefits from quarterback mobility, especially on bootlegs and designed rollouts. While Darnold has some movement skills, Willis is on another level in terms of athleticism. His ability to extend plays and create out of structure would give the Vikings an added dimension — and perhaps even open up new layers of the offense.
Of course, any trade would hinge on price. The Titans likely aren’t getting a premium pick in return, but a Day 3 selection — perhaps a fifth- or sixth-rounder — could be enough to get it done. The Vikings have eight picks in the upcoming draft and could easily spare one to take a flier on a quarterback with traits.
There’s also an off-field component to this potential move. By all accounts, Willis is a high-character player who’s beloved in the locker room. He’s handled a difficult situation in Tennessee with professionalism, never complaining publicly or showing frustration despite being shuffled between backup and third-string duties. That kind of temperament is exactly what teams value in a developmental quarterback — someone who is willing to put in the work behind the scenes, stay ready, and remain a positive influence.
While nothing is imminent, the Vikings remain a team to watch in the quarterback market. If they can’t land one of the top prospects in the draft and aren’t sold on Darnold as the long-term answer, making a move for Willis is a low-risk, high-upside play that could pay dividends down the road. Even if he doesn’t pan out, the cost is negligible. But if he does, Minnesota might find itself with a dynamic talent who simply needed a fresh start and the right environment.
The NFL is a league built on opportunity and second chances. Malik Willis didn’t get a fair shake as a rookie, and his sophomore season was defined more by internal turnover and limited reps than any real opportunity to take the reins. But that doesn’t mean the book is closed. In fact, it might just be getting started.
In Minnesota, he could find a new beginning — one backed by a stable coaching staff, a patient front office, and an offensive ecosystem designed to support him. Whether that move happens before the draft or sometime after, don’t be surprised if Malik Willis ends up in purple and gold sooner rather than later.
With the Titans looking ahead and the Vikings looking for answers, a bridge between the two may soon be built. And when it comes to the ever-evolving quarterback carousel in the NFL, all it takes is one phone call to change everything. For Malik Willis, that call might just be coming from Minnesota.