Brian Callahan's ties should help Titans focus in on 3 veteran QBs for 2025 season

The Tennessee Titans officially declared they'll be entering the market for a new quarterback this offseason by benching sophomore Will Levis. It was Mason Rudolph that started Sunday's 38-30 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. With Rudolph on a one-year contract, there's no guarantee he'll return in 2025, and the Titans will probably want to aim higher anyway.

After watching an inexperienced QB derail their 2024 campaign, general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan will be feeling the heat to deliver more desirable results in 2025. That makes the Titans likely to target a veteran replacement. These three veterans could become available, and have direct ties to Callahan.

Matthew Stafford

The 36-year-old Matthew Stafford is in the thick of a postseason race with the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran signal caller is technically signed through 2026, but the Rams could find an exit-route out of his contract if they choose to rebuild. Designating Stafford as a post-June-1 release would provide GM Les Snead with sizable cap savings and manageable dead cap charges, according to Over The Cap.

Callahan spent two seasons as Stafford's quarterbacks coach (2016-17) with the Detroit Lions. After enduring the Levis experiment, Callahan would appreciate Stafford's ability to execute his offense. His availability is considered a long-shot, but you never know when a franchise will decide to move on from an aging QB.

Derek Carr

The marriage between the New Orleans Saints and Derek Carr has not delivered desirable results. The Saints will almost certainly be severing ties at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign. Callahan possesses a direct tie to Carr. He served as his quarterbacks coach with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018. Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz was also on staff.

Carr's less-than-impressive tenure with the Saints could sour potential suitors on his capabilities. Will familiarity tempt Callahan and Holz into a reunion? Even as a low-level starter, Carr would represent an upgrade on Levis.

Jake Browning

Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning spent the previous three seasons (2021-23) alongside Callahan. With Callahan as his offensive coordinator, Browning performed admirably in relief of Joe Burrow down the stretch of last season. The former Washington standout completed 70.4 percent of his passing attempts with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Browning showcased the ability to execute the Zac Taylor and Callahan offense. Burrow's backup under contract for next season, but the Titans shouldn't have too much difficulty working out trade compensation should they decide to travel that route. If Carthon and Callahan prefer to avoid making a lucrative investment, Browning would make some sense.