Who Will Be The Titans Backup Quarterback?

On morning of July 21st, the Tennessee Titans announced that quarterback Will Levis would be out the entirety of the 2025 NFL season with a shoulder surgery. Not only did this announcement shock the fanbase, but it also left a question-mark at backup quarterback. Levis was slated to be the QB2 behind Cam Ward, and is familiar with the system, but now the Titans must look elsewhere.

Stick With Their QB3

The first approach the Titans can take is to stick with the next quarterback on the depth chart: Brandon Allen. The former Bengal and 49er has 1810 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions across 5 seasons. This has netted him a 76.2 passer rating, which is unimpressive at best. The Titans best option would be to look at free agents.

Sign a Free Agent

via KSL News

Perhaps the most popular free agent is former pro bowl quarterback Carson Wentz. Since his brief starting stints with the Colts and Commanders, Wentz has been traveling as a backup to some of the NFL's best quarterbacks, most recently backing up Patrick Mahomes II. The former Eagle had the team on a great path in the 2017-2018 season, until unfortunately tearing his ACL in week 14. The team would still go on to win the Super Bowl with Nick Foles, but until his injury Wentz was a top quarterback in the league with MVP consideration. Even though his career was derailed with injuries Carson Wentz has proved to have the talent and ability to win, and would provide veteran leadership in the locker room.

Another option is former pro bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley. Huntley has been a consistent backup in the NFL for several years, starting with the Ravens and most recently with the Dolphins. He clearly possesses the talent to perform and win football games, so it would not be shocking to see the Titans take a chance to allow him to fight for the backup quarterback position.

Other players the Titans may consider bringing in to compete could be Teddy Bridgewater, C.J. Beathard, Former Titan Logan Woodside, or even Ryan Tannehill.

Trade For a Backup

The third, and least predictable, option is for the Titans to trade for a quarterback to backup Cam Ward. It is not rare in the NFL for backup quarterbacks to be traded for late round picks. Take Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, and Desmond Ridder all as examples. They were all young quarterbacks who ended up failing in a starting role and ended up being traded. I could see the Titans trading for players such as Hendon Hooker, Stedson Bennett, or Jordan Travis. The team could also attempt to trade for an established veteran to help mentor their young quarterback. Perhaps a player like Andy Dalton or Jacoby Brissett.

Unfortunately, it appears we may have seen Will Levis's last snap as a Tennessee Titan. He will forever be a chapter in the teams history (albeit a poor one), but I still believe he has the talent to be something in the NFL. For the Tennessee Titans, they are ready to look to the future with their first overall pick Cam ward. Titan Up.