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Could Malik Willis Be the Colts' Answer? Exploring a Potential Trade
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 17:09 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Could Malik Willis Be the Answer? Examining a Potential Colts Trade for the Struggling QB
The Indianapolis Colts are at a crossroads. After a disastrous 2023 season marred by inconsistent quarterback play and ultimately ending with Gardner Minshew back under center, the team desperately needs a franchise signal-caller. While they drafted Anthony Richardson in 2023, his injury history casts significant doubt on whether he can be the guy. This has led to speculation about various avenues for acquiring a QB, and one intriguing possibility gaining traction is a trade for Malik Willis, currently stuck behind Will Levis with the Tennessee Titans. A recent article by Sporting News explores this scenario in detail, outlining the potential benefits, drawbacks, and logistical hurdles of bringing Willis to Indianapolis.
The core argument presented by Sporting News centers around the idea that Willis's raw talent and athleticism haven’t been properly utilized or developed in Tennessee. Drafted 86th overall in 2022, Willis was intended to be part of a long-term plan after the Titans traded up to select him. However, the arrival of rookie quarterback Will Levis in 2023 effectively relegated Willis to a third-string role. He’s seen minimal playing time and hasn't had the opportunity to showcase his potential under a consistent offensive scheme.
The article highlights that while Willis has shown flashes of brilliance – particularly as a runner, displaying impressive power and agility – he’s also demonstrated significant areas for improvement. His accuracy, decision-making, and pocket presence have been questioned, contributing to his lack of playing time. As Sporting News points out, the Titans' offensive system under head coach Mike Vrabel hasn’t always been conducive to developing a young quarterback, often prioritizing a conservative approach.
Why Indianapolis? A Potential Good Fit
The Colts, conversely, offer a potentially more favorable environment for Willis to flourish. The article suggests that Shane Steichen’s offensive scheme – which helped revitalize Gardner Minshew in 2023 – could provide the structure and support needed for Willis to develop. Steichen is known for his ability to work with quarterbacks of varying skill levels, tailoring schemes to maximize their strengths while minimizing weaknesses. Furthermore, the Colts boast a strong running game and talented receiving corps, which would alleviate some pressure on a developing quarterback. The offensive line, though needing continued improvement, has shown promise in protecting its signal callers.
The article also acknowledges that Richardson’s future is uncertain. While the team remains hopeful about his recovery from shoulder surgery, there's no guarantee he will return to full form or be able to stay healthy. Acquiring Willis would provide a viable and potentially more immediate alternative if Richardson falters or proves unable to handle the starting role. It also creates competition that could push Richardson to improve.
The Cost of Acquisition & Potential Trade Packages
Crucially, the article delves into the potential cost of acquiring Willis. Given his draft status and the Titans' current situation (they are clearly committed to Levis), the price tag wouldn’t be exorbitant. Sporting News suggests a late-round pick – likely a fifth or sixth-rounder – could be sufficient to secure Willis, making him a relatively low-risk investment for Indianapolis. This contrasts sharply with the high cost of acquiring established veteran quarterbacks through trade.
The article explores several hypothetical trade packages. A simple exchange of a 2025 sixth-round pick seems like the most likely scenario given Willis's current standing. The Titans, burdened by their own quarterback situation and potentially looking to recoup some draft capital, would be willing to part with him for that minimal return, especially if it helps them manage their salary cap (Willis is on a rookie contract).
The Risks & Considerations
Despite the potential upside, the article doesn’t shy away from outlining the risks. Willis's struggles in Tennessee are real and cannot be ignored. There's a possibility that he simply isn't as talented or coachable as some believe. Bringing him to Indianapolis wouldn't guarantee an instant transformation; it would require significant time, patience, and dedicated coaching.
Furthermore, acquiring Willis could potentially stifle Richardson’s development if the Colts publicly signal their lack of faith in the young quarterback. The article suggests that careful messaging from the team would be crucial to avoid creating a divisive locker room environment. The potential for Richardson to regress further is also a concern; bringing in Willis doesn't automatically fix all the Colts' QB problems.
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Gamble?
Ultimately, the Sporting News piece concludes that acquiring Malik Willis represents a worthwhile gamble for the Indianapolis Colts. The low cost of acquisition combined with the potential for significant reward makes him an attractive option to explore. While he isn’t a guaranteed savior, providing him with a fresh start and a supportive offensive environment could unlock his untapped potential. It's a move that allows the Colts to address their pressing quarterback need without committing substantial resources – a prudent approach as they navigate this critical phase of rebuilding their franchise. Even if Willis doesn’t become a star, he provides valuable depth and competition while the team assesses Richardson’s long-term viability. The article reinforces the idea that for a team desperate for stability at the most important position in football, taking calculated risks is often necessary.
I hope this comprehensive summary captures the essence of the Sporting News article!
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/indianapolis-colts/news/imagining-malik-willis-member-indianapolis-colts/8bd2c2cffd67469b41db08ed ]
