6 dark horse options to be the Vikings quarterback in 2024
By Adam Patrick
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Quarterback No. 4
Malik Willis
2023 Team: Tennessee Titans
Prior to their preseason contest this past summer, the Vikings and Titans participated in multiple joint practices at Minnesota's TCO Performance Center.
These practices allowed the Vikings to see how their players performed against different competition, but these sessions also allowed Minnesota to scout some members of Tennessee's roster.
Second-year Titans quarterback Malik Willis was among the players the Vikings got a closer look at during their joint practices and preseason matchup with the Titans.
Willis was selected by Tennessee in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he was viewed by many as a very raw quarterback prospect.
Well, during his time in Minnesota, Willis showed that he has taken some significant steps in his development, and he looked much better compared to what he did out on the field during his rookie season.
Earlier this year, the Titans used the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 draft on former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. Following this selection, most have assumed that Willis' time in Tennessee could be coming to an end sooner than later, especially since the general manager who drafted him is no longer a member of the Titans organization.
With an ability to make plays with his legs and launch a ball deep downfield, Willis has a few traits that someone like Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell might want to use in his offense.
O'Connell often talks about the illusion of complexity when referring to his offensive strategy, and adding someone like Willis, who has the potential to do a variety of different things out on the field, would help the Minnesota head coach in his efforts to outsmart opposing defenses.
If Tennesse is willing to listen to trade offers involving Willis during the 2024 offseason, it wouldn't be shocking if the Vikings are one of the teams that are interested in acquiring the 24-year-old quarterback.