The Tennessee Titans and Will Levis, a promising quarterback, have parted ways due to unforeseen circumstances. Levis’ professional journey with the Titans was marked by both promise and challenges, reflecting the unpredictable nature of football careers.
Levis, who was selected by the Titans in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, came into the league with great hopes. He began his first season as the third-string quarterback, but was swiftly promoted to the starting position after veteran Ryan Tannehill was injured. Levis had an immediate impact, tossing four touchdown passes in his debut against the Atlanta Falcons. He finished his debut year with 1,808 throwing yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions, demonstrating some of his promise.
The 2024 season posed a number of obstacles for Levis and the Titans. Levis experienced challenges as the starting quarterback, including a 3-14 team record and personal issues with fumbles and injuries. He has 2,091 throwing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 12 games. His performance was tarnished by an AC joint ailment, which forced him to sit out in favour of backup Mason Rudolph.
Factors Leading to the Departure:
Several factors influenced the mutual decision of Levis and the Titans to part ways:
- Levis’ performance was inconsistent, with a high turnover rate and difficulty maintaining offensive momentum.
- ailments: Reoccurring ailments, particularly to his shoulder, hampered Levis’ ability to build consistency and harmed his overall effectiveness.
- Team Dynamics: Following the Titans’ dismal 2024 season record, the organisation reassessed key positions, notably quarterback, in order to improve future success.
- Financial considerations: Releasing Levis would result in a $4.8 million dead cap penalty for the 2025 season, whereas a trade would free up minor salary space, depending on the timing.
Future Implications for the Titans
With Levis’ departure, the Titans must make key decisions regarding their quarterback position:
- Draft Prospects: With the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Titans are analysing elite quarterback prospects such as Cam Ward from Miami and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado. Both have been invited to Nashville for additional evaluation, demonstrating the team’s desire to find a franchise quarterback.
- Trade Opportunities: The Titans are investigating trades to acquire an experienced quarterback, weighing the possible benefits against the financial and strategic ramifications.
- Internal Evaluation: The organisation may also evaluate current roster quarterbacks, such as Mason Rudolph, to determine their ability to fill the starting role effectively.
Levi’s Prospective Path
Levis sees this split as an opportunity to reinvigorate his career:
- Free Agency: As a free agency, Levis can pursue possibilities with teams looking for quarterback depth or prospective starters, allowing him to find a scheme that fits his skill set.
- Development Focus: Addressing performance inconsistencies and injury management will be critical for Levis to reach his full potential in future engagements.
Finally, Will Levis’ mutual departure from the Tennessee Titans highlights the complexity of professional football. Both parties are now on new roads, with the Titans looking for a quarterback to lead their future efforts and Levis hoping to revitalise his career in a new setting.