Malik Willis Trade: New England Patriots' Solution At Quarterback?

The New England Patriots are at a crossroads, and it’s becoming increasingly evident that a change at the quarterback position is imperative. The question is, how will they make this happen?

Gronkowski’s Bold Suggestion

Former tight end Rob Gronkowski recently made an intriguing proposition during an appearance on “Up & Adams.” He suggested that the Patriots should explore the possibility of trading for Malik Willis from the Titans. However, he wasn’t talking about acquiring a veteran quarterback; he was advocating for a dynamic young quarterback who could potentially shape the future of the team. Gronkowski’s idea revolves around adding a new dimension to the team’s offense.

Bill Belichick’s Affinity for Mobile Quarterbacks

Gronkowski highlighted the fact that Bill Belichick has an appreciation for quarterbacks who can inject an additional element into the running game. Throughout his coaching career, Belichick has never really had the luxury of working with a quarterback known for their mobility, but he has often emphasized the challenges posed by such dual-threat quarterbacks.

Willis’ Mixed Performance with the Titans

It’s essential to consider the current situation with Malik Willis. As the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Mike Vrabel witnessed both promising and challenging moments from the young quarterback last year. Willis’s rookie season was characterized by more struggles than successes, and his performance was far from outstanding.

Tannehill’s Troubles and Willis’ Future

The primary talking point surrounding the Tennessee Titans is the struggles of their starting quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. Given Tannehill’s underwhelming performances, Willis might not be readily available for a trade. The Titans drafted Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, plucking him from Liberty University. During his rookie year, he stepped in for Tannehill in three games, but the results were modest—31 completions out of 61 attempts for 276 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. On a more positive note, he demonstrated his mobility by rushing 27 times for 123 yards and securing a touchdown.

Patriots’ Current Quarterback Conundrum

At present, the New England Patriots are facing a quarterback crisis. They are entering a game against the Las Vegas Raiders with a QB embroiled in a two-game slump, having been pulled from both recent games in the second half. Unfortunately, the answer to their quarterback dilemma isn’t readily available on their current roster.

The Patriots’ top backup is Bailey Zappe, and the third option is the five-year veteran, Will Grier, who was signed off the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad on September 23. The team’s offensive struggles are conspicuous, with a dismal 72-3 point differential in their losses to the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints. They currently rank last in points per game and have suffered through a daunting 34 consecutive drives without an offensive touchdown, accompanied by 24 consecutive drives without any points scored.

The Urgent Need for Change

If the New England Patriots experience another defeat on Sunday, the pressure to make a significant change at the quarterback position may intensify, and the idea of a trade for someone like Malik Willis could become a realistic path forward. The question now remains: Will the Patriots take the bold step of embracing this change, potentially altering the course of their season and securing a promising future?

Suggested Articles from NFL Wisdom Imbibe:

More from NFL Wisdom Imbibe: