During a Wednesday interview with reporters, Will Levis candidly discussed what the backup quarterback role might entail for the Tennessee Titans. Levis, who was the Titans’ starting quarterback last season and his second time holding that position in the NFL, struggled enough that Tennessee secured the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Just two years after selecting Levis with the 33rd pick, the team chose another quarterback, Come Ward, from Miami.
At 25 years old, Levis faces an uncertain path forward as Ward is poised to become the team’s new quarterback. According to ESPN’s Turron Davenport, Levis did not hide his frustration about the situation. “I think anyone who has been in my shoes would admit this stings,” Levis said. “I’m trying to keep it from affecting me. I’m the same person every day in the building, here for my teammates.”
Both Levis and Ward are young quarterbacks in the Titans’ quarterback room, which also includes veteran backups Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle. Levis expressed hope that the team’s recent draft pick would support the offense he played in during his college years at Pennsylvania in 2019 and 2020. He also had high praise for Ward, saying, “He’s a very intelligent player. We talk about different schemes and I value his perspective as a fellow quarterback and athlete.”
Ward reciprocated the respect, sharing, “Levis was one of the first to welcome me in the locker room. It’s exciting to work alongside someone who has actual NFL game experience.”
Levis has faced challenges since entering the league, especially after being drafted later than expected in 2023 and starting his NFL career with the Titans. Although he hasn’t yet fulfilled the team’s hopes to reach the playoffs—their first appearance since 2021—it doesn’t mean his career is over. Similar to how Geno Smith overcame a rocky start and earned a substantial $88.5 million contract extension, there’s still potential for Levis. Titans coach Brian Callahan lauded Levis for his offseason work with quarterback coach Jordan Palmer, noting that continued improvement could create a solid quarterback competition if both Levis and Ward show game readiness.
Fan Take: This quarterback transition is a pivotal moment for the Titans and could signal a shift in the NFL’s evolving quarterback landscape. Fans should watch closely, as the development of these young quarterbacks might reshape the team’s future and influence how franchises approach quarterback talent moving forward.
