Will Levis arrived in Nashville as a symbol of hope—a cannon-armed quarterback with a chip on his shoulder and the kind of raw upside that front offices dream about molding. Selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Levis was widely viewed as the heir apparent to veteran Ryan Tannehill, a transitional figure in Tennessee’s quarterback lineage. The Titans were in the midst of a franchise identity crisis, moving on from the Derrick Henry-centric offense and looking toward a new era. In that context, Levis was the fresh face of change.
Fast forward to 2025, and the tone has shifted dramatically.
The Tennessee Titans’ latest offseason decisions have ignited a firestorm of speculation and uncertainty surrounding Levis’ future with the team. In what many expected to be a quiet vote of confidence for their young signal-caller, the Titans threw a curveball—signing a veteran quarterback with starting experience and reportedly holding internal discussions about drafting another passer. Suddenly, Levis’ once-clear path to becoming the franchise quarterback feels anything but secure.
It’s a move that has raised eyebrows around the league. The Titans’ decision to pursue outside quarterback help so aggressively suggests a wavering belief in Levis’ development, or at the very least, a desire to hedge their bets. And for Levis, that could mean he’s no longer seen as “the guy.”
Just a season ago, there were moments when Levis looked like the real deal. After Tannehill went down with injury, the rookie stepped into the spotlight and put up several gutsy performances. His debut featured four touchdown passes and flashes of the big-play potential that once made him a first-round projection. But inconsistency quickly crept in. Mechanical issues, spotty decision-making, and a brutal offensive line didn’t help his cause. The same traits that made him a tantalizing prospect—his boldness, his gunslinger mentality—also led to costly mistakes. And now, it appears the organization is losing patience.
That patience—or lack thereof—might be reflective of a broader change in philosophy from new leadership. With head coach Brian Callahan and GM Ran Carthon now fully at the helm, the team’s direction is evolving. The hiring of Callahan, a known quarterback developer and former Bengals offensive coordinator, seemed tailor-made to accelerate Levis’ growth. But coaching staffs aren’t always wedded to inherited players. And Callahan, while publicly supportive, hasn’t exactly declared Levis untouchable.
In today’s NFL, the leash is short. Quarterbacks don’t get four years to develop anymore, especially in a league dominated by instant gratification and high expectations. The Titans are in a market that’s growing impatient, and with a brand-new stadium on the horizon and a fanbase yearning for postseason success, ownership may be feeling pressure to deliver results—fast.
That’s what makes the recent moves so notable. The Titans could have spent the offseason building around Levis—investing heavily in protection, surrounding him with more weapons, and giving him the vote of confidence that young quarterbacks need. Instead, their approach has been lukewarm. The offensive line remains a work in progress. The receiver room, while bolstered by the arrival of Calvin Ridley, still lacks consistent depth. And the flirtation with other quarterbacks has added fuel to the fire.
Levis isn’t just battling defenses; he’s battling perception. Around the league, the narrative is shifting. Once viewed as a high-ceiling, low-floor project with ample time to grow, he’s now viewed through a more skeptical lens. Analysts have begun to ask whether Levis has what it takes to be a long-term starter, or if he’s destined to become another in a long line of talented-but-flawed quarterbacks who never quite put it all together.
It doesn’t help that the AFC South is suddenly brimming with young quarterback talent. C.J. Stroud has already emerged as a star in Houston. Anthony Richardson, though injured for much of his rookie season, has the Colts buzzing with optimism. Trevor Lawrence continues to rise in Jacksonville. In that competitive environment, Levis can’t afford to fall behind—not if he wants to remain part of Tennessee’s long-term plan.
And yet, the situation isn’t without hope. Levis still possesses the tools that made him a coveted prospect: elite arm strength, toughness, mobility, and leadership. His work ethic is well-documented. He’s known for attacking the film room, staying late after practice, and embracing the challenge of improvement. His teammates, by all accounts, respect him. There are signs that with better protection and a more cohesive offense, he could take a leap forward.
But time is no longer on his side.
If the Titans do opt to bring in another veteran or use a mid-round draft pick on a quarterback, it sends a clear message: the job is no longer Levis’ to lose—it’s something he must actively reclaim. Training camp would then become a crucible, a battle not just for the starting role, but potentially for his future with the franchise. In a league where quarterback depth charts can shift with a single poor preseason performance, Levis must be flawless this summer.
The psychological impact of the uncertainty shouldn’t be overlooked, either. Quarterbacks thrive on confidence—not just in themselves, but in their organization’s belief in them. Mixed signals from the front office can rattle even the most poised competitors. If Levis senses that the Titans are already looking for his replacement, it could either light a fire under him or throw him off entirely.
For Titans fans, it’s a confusing time. Many were hopeful that Levis would be the answer, a quarterback who could grow with the team and usher in a new era of relevance. Others were always skeptical, pointing to his inconsistent college tape and wondering if Tennessee was simply repeating past mistakes. The fanbase is divided, and as the regular season inches closer, that divide may only deepen depending on what the front office does next.
It’s also worth considering the broader implications for the Titans as a franchise. Quarterback purgatory is a dangerous place to be in the NFL. Teams that waver on their commitment to young passers often find themselves stuck in a cycle of mediocrity—drafting too late to land an elite prospect, but not winning enough to matter. That’s why this offseason’s moves are so critical. If the Titans truly believe Levis isn’t the guy, they must move decisively. If they believe he still has potential, they need to act like it.
And what does Levis think about all this? Publicly, he’s said all the right things. He’s embraced competition, promised to improve, and stayed focused on controlling what he can control. But behind the scenes, it’s fair to wonder how he’s processing it all. Players are human. They see the rumors. They hear the whispers. And when a team brings in outside options at your position, it’s hard not to feel expendable.
Of course, the NFL is full of redemption stories. Quarterbacks who were written off only to come back stronger. Geno Smith. Jared Goff. Even Tannehill himself once experienced a career revival. Levis has a chance to write his own comeback arc—but only if the Titans give him the opportunity to do so.
For now, though, the future is murky. Tennessee’s quarterback room feels more like a pressure cooker than a developmental incubator. Levis is under the microscope. Every throw in OTAs, every snap in camp, every rep in preseason will be dissected. And with a new regime eager to put its stamp on the roster, he may not get the benefit of the doubt.
That’s the reality of the NFL today. It’s not always fair, but it’s always cutthroat. And as Will Levis stares down what could be the defining offseason of his young career, one thing is clear:
The Titans’ recent decisions have cracked open the door of doubt. Whether Levis can slam it shut—or watch it swing wide open—is a story that will unfold in real time.
But in Tennessee, the clock is ticking. And for Will Levis, the margin for error is shrinking fast.