The Tennessee Titans have a new franchise quarterback in Miami’s Cam Ward, but that doesn’t mean they plan to trade Will Levis any time soon. A second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Kentucky product started his career behind veteran Ryan Tannehill but earned the starting job midway through his rookie season. Showing some promise in his nine games running the offense, Levis began 2024 as the starting quarterback for Brian Callahan’s Titans.
Unfortunately, the quarterback regressed in a major way. Starting and appearing in 12 games, Levis finished the season completing 63.1% of his passes for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while helping the team secure the first-overall pick. The quarterback may not be a franchise passer and puts the ball in harms way too frequently, but he’s still an above-average backup with some long-term upside. Because of this, Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi said he won’t trade Will Levis, and the veteran will compete with Ward for the starting job.
“There is going to be competition in every room, and he elevates the competition in that room,” Borgonzi said, per team writer Jim Wyatt.
Titans Won’t Trade Will Levis Now, But Could Later
Cam Ward needs to “earn” the starting job, and that can only happen if he beats out the incumbent. However, this is similar to the Trevor Lawrence-Gardner Minshew quarterback battle years ago. At the end of the day, the first-overall pick will win the job, and the Titans will probably trade Will Levis when that happens. While he won’t fetch a massive return, the following teams could benefit from his services.
Possible Suitors
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford is still the quarterback of the present in Los Angeles, but he isn’t getting any younger. The former first-overall pick is playing on a year-to-year basis at this stage in his career and may not be under center in 2026. While Jimmy Garoppolo is an adequate backup, this team could still benefit from a Will Levis trade. The Rams have two first-round picks next year and will likely use these selections to trade up for a franchise quarterback. Levis could spend 2025 on the bench and, if he shows enough promise, could serve as a short-term starter while whoever the Rams select adjusts to the NFL.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints quarterback room is a mess. Derek Carr may not play in 2025, rookie Tyler Shough is entering his age-26 season and has never played a professional snap, and Spencer Ratler and Jake Haener didn’t show enough to earn any long-term belief from the organization. If Carr’s injuries sideline him for the season, the team may have no choice but to trade for Will Levis. While he won’t guide the team to a Super Bowl, he could provide a base level of confidence under center.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa’s extensive injury history means the team should heavily invest in the backup quarterback position. Unfortunately, New York Jets bust Zach Wilson is the current QB2 on the roster. Say what you will about Levis, but the current Titan has shown more promise in his short career than Wilson ever did with the Jets.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have the roster to compete for a Super Bowl if second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy becomes the real deal. However, the Michigan product missed his entire rookie season to injury, so nobody knows what he brings to the table. Minnesota addressed the QB2 position with the Sam Howell trade, but Will Levis would bring some more competition to the game’s most important position.
