Will Levis Trade Buzz Grows as Titans Navigate Quarterback Depth Chart
As the Tennessee Titans continue their offseason workouts, a familiar name has resurfaced in NFL trade discussions: quarterback Will Levis. Despite missing the entire 2025 season and being displaced by rookie Cam Ward as the franchise's starter, Levis remains on the roster, and analysts now believe he could become a sought-after reclamation project for quarterback-needy teams.
According to multiple reports, Levis is seen as a "low-risk, high-reward trade target" due to his physical tools and the recent success of similarly discarded quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. One analyst from Pro Football Network predicts that Levis will become available on the market, noting that teams are always willing to invest in young quarterback talent, especially when the asking price could be modest.
Titans' Quarterback Room Becomes Crowded
The Titans have overhauled their roster this offseason under new head coach Robert Saleh. The team signed veteran backups Mitchell Trubisky and Hendon Hooker, and drafted Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4 overall to support Ward. This leaves Levis in an awkward spot: a former second-round pick now buried on the depth chart.
Titans Wire analyst Mark Mihalko pointed out that Levis is an "obvious trade candidate or a potential roster cut" given the new coaching staff and the presence of two veteran backups. The Titans typically keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster, meaning the battle between Levis and Hooker during training camp could be a heated one. If Levis performs well in OTAs and camp, his trade value could rise, potentially yielding a late-round draft pick for Tennessee.
Why Will Levis Still Has Value Around the NFL
Levis was drafted with the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. In his rookie season, he started nine games, throwing for 1,808 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions while completing only 58.9% of his passes. The Titans gave him a long runway, but inconsistency and injuries ultimately led the team to move on after just two seasons.
However, the NFL landscape has shifted. The recent revivals of Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings) have shown that even quarterbacks once deemed busts can thrive with the right system and supporting cast. This trend has made teams more willing to take chances on former high picks who have underwhelmed early in their careers. Levis, with his strong arm and prototypical size, fits that profile perfectly.
A source from Sports Illustrated's Titans coverage noted that if a team suffers an injury at quarterback, Levis becomes a much more valuable trade piece than other Titans roster bubble players. The unpredictability of the NFL season means that a team like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, or even a playoff contender with a shaky backup situation could come calling.
Titans Face Tough Roster Decision as OTAs Continue
Titans fans are already looking ahead to the season, with many expecting a potential playoff push. The team invested heavily in free agency, adding defensive playmakers like pass rushers and cornerbacks. But quarterback depth remains a concern. If Levis shows enough in practice, the Titans might be forced to keep three quarterbacks on the roster, which would take a spot away from another position group.
Hendon Hooker, a former third-round pick by the Detroit Lions, has experience in a similar offensive system and is seen as a more natural fit for the Titans' current scheme. Trubisky, meanwhile, brings veteran leadership and starting experience. The decision will likely come down to which quarterback offers the most upside as a backup to Ward.
The Reclamation Project Trend
Levis's situation mirrors that of other recent reclamation projects. The Paul Joyce: Liverpool face toughest test yet as Salah and Robertson exit article might remind readers how teams in any sport must sometimes pivot from familiar faces to new strategies. In the NFL, the quarterback reclamation trend has given hope to many former first- and second-round picks. The Titans could leverage this trend to extract value from Levis before he becomes a free agent.
Broader Implications: The Ever-Changing Value of Young Quarterbacks
The Levis situation underscores a fundamental truth of the modern NFL: quarterback value is both volatile and persistent. Teams are constantly searching for the next Geno Smith or Baker Mayfield story. The success of Mayfield and Darnold has opened the door for teams to view discarded quarterbacks not as lost causes, but as undervalued assets.
For the Titans, moving Levis before the season starts would allow them to recoup some draft capital and avoid a potential distraction. For a team like the Titans, who are in a competitive window, every roster spot—and every draft pick—matters. The team's decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
What This Means for the 2026 NFL Season
As the NFL moves deeper into OTAs and training camp, the Levis trade rumors will only intensify. If a quarterback injury occurs during preseason, the market for Levis could spike overnight. The Titans front office, led by general manager Ran Carthon, has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves this offseason. Trading Levis would be the final piece of the organization's pivot from the previous regime's draft choices.
With the regular season still months away, the Titans have time to evaluate their options. But one thing is clear: Will Levis is no longer a part of the Titans' long-term plans, and his next opportunity could come from a team desperate for a spark under center.
For now, the Titans will let Levis compete in camp, hoping his performance raises his trade value. As the team navigates the final weeks of the offseason, all eyes will be on Nashville to see if Levis can earn a role—or a ticket out of town.
For more NFL analysis, check out our Memorial Day Weekend Streaming Guide: What to Watch on Netflix this Holiday for a break from football talk.
Comments