Seahawks Signing QB Malik Willis a 'Tantalizing' Fit; The Next Geno Smith?!
Despite the three-year contract extension being handed to quarterback Geno Smith this offseason, the Seattle Seahawks are still a name being brought up in rumors revolving around a young signal-caller that could potentially become available. It's as if many believe Smith's impressive 2022 season was a fluke and something that won't be replicated.
If that is the mainstream opinion, then it would make sense why the Seahawks are now being linked with Tennessee Titans' second-year quarterback Malik Willis. After just one season, the former third-round pick hasn't lived up to his projections as a first-round talent. Willis was a hot name coming out of Liberty ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft due to his big arm and ability to create outside of the pocket as a runner.
Yet, he has had a fall from grace not only on the draft board, sliding into Day 2, but also on the field after struggling in eight games last season. He could now be a cut candidate for the Titans after just one year in Nashville, though there's been reported improvement from Willis ahead of training camp.
But if the rumors of a potential cut are true, then CBS Sports sees Seattle as an interesting landing spot.
"No one is tantalized more by a possible quarterback reclamation project than gum-chomping head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle," CBS Sports writes. "And check that quarterback room! Tiny!"
Of course, the Seahawks were teasing the idea of drafting a quarterback in the top five of April's draft in a potential rumored move that definitely had some truth to it. It wouldn't hurt Seattle to develop a young gun like Willis behind Smith and Drew Lock, as he could be molded in the potential franchise QB further down the line.
CBS even made the comparison between Smith and Willis. Similarities for the pair can certainly be found in more ways than one.
"Like Smith, Willis' ability to spin the football will never be questioned. He can really rip it and has more electricity in his legs," CBS Sports writes.
Like Willis, Smith had a less-than-perfect start to his career, though the latter was a more refined prospect heading into the 2013 draft. At this current stage, Willis is far from a productive pocket passer, relying more on his mobility and athleticism to make plays down the field or using his legs to pick up yardage.
As a rookie, he struggled with efficiency. In three starts and eight total games, he went 31 of 61 passing (50.8 percent) for 276 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. He added 27 carries for 123 yards and one score, though he lost two fumbles.
To get a sense of his need for improvement, his yards per carry (4.6) was higher than his yards per completion (4.5).
Regardless, CBS Sports' reasoning for the Seahawks being a good "fit" for Willis seems simple; he and Smith have some similarities. But is that enough to justify signing after the Titans potentially cut him?
Probably not, and it might not be realistic given that the Seahawks are already low on cap space heading into training camp and are currently settled at quarterback. Yet, the idea of a project at quarterback could be enticing to coach Pete Carroll, though it's obviously unknown how long both the Seahawks and Willis would be willing to wait for the development process to reach its end.
With his current deal that takes him through the 2025 season, Smith will be 35 by the time he hits free agency. If Seattle did sign Willis, that would give him until he is 26 to have a shot at the starting job potentially.
But ultimately, the Seahawks signing Willis doesn't seem realistic as of now, especially considering the pleasant surprise undrafted rookie quarterback Holton Ahlers has been so far this offseason.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Seahawks? Click Here to subscribe to AllSeahawks.com's Newsletter.
Follow All Seahawks.com on Twitter and Facebook
Follow Harrison Reno on Twitter
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @lockedonseahawks today! Click here To Listen.
Want even more Seattle Seahawks news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
