Will Levis has received an opportunity to compete for the Tennessee Titans' backup quarterback job, despite the team making it a priority to sign veteran Mitchell Trubisky on the first official day of free agency this offseason.
The news was officially revealed by Titans coach Robert Saleh at the beginning of training camp. Levis is the veteran of the group in terms of time spent with the Titans, having been selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft.
In 2023, Levis began to establish himself, showing flashes of promise during the final stretch of his rookie season. The performance gave the Titans confidence to move forward with Levis as their quarterback, but that plan changed after an underwhelming 2024 campaign. This ultimately led the Titans to select Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. This effectively ended Levis' chances of reclaiming a starter role with the Titans, although his absence in 2025 was due to an AC joint injury that he suffered.
Now healthy, Levis will enter a two-man competition against Trubisky for the Titans' backup quarterback role. As for the rest of the quarterback room, Ward will return as the Titans' unquestioned starter, while newcomer Hendon Hooker is expected to begin the season on the practice squad.
Will Levis comes with perks
Although Levis hasn't lived up to the expectations that came with his draft status, he still possesses traits that could make him a valuable asset for the Titans. Levis possesses prototypical size for an NFL quarterback, measuring 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds, according to the Titans' official website. This gives Levis a size advantage over Trubisky, which could prove valuable behind an offensive line that will be tested by some of the NFL's top pass rushes this season.
Another one of Levis' biggest strengths is his elite arm talent, which allows him to make downfield throws that few quarterbacks are capable of completing. That arm strength is complemented by his ability to throw accurately on the move, a skill that he has consistently displayed throughout his young NFL career.
Arguably, Levis' greatest trait is his toughness. Throughout his NFL career, he has repeatedly shown the ability to absorb big hits, get back on his feet and continue competing without hesitation.
With the competition just getting underway, it's too early to determine who will ultimately secure the backup quarterback role. However, the Titans are expected to use the preseason contests as the primary evaluation period before deciding which candidate is the best fit for the job.
