The quarterback carousel in the NFL is spinning once again, and this time, all eyes are on Tennessee Titans' Will Levis. With the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, and New York Jets potentially in the mix, the market for backup quarterbacks is heating up.
NFL insider Evan Sidery reports that the Titans are actively shopping Levis. After seeing the Jets trade Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2027 sixth-round pick, it's clear what the trade value for young backups like Levis looks like.
"The trade for Fields sets the stage," Sidery notes. "Teams like the Colts and Titans are likely to receive late Day 3 picks for players like Anthony Richardson and Will Levis."
Levis showed promise during his rookie season in 2023. However, his career trajectory took a hit in 2024, leading to him losing the starting spot to Cam Ward, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick. A shoulder surgery sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, and with Mitchell Trubisky stepping in as the new backup in Tennessee, Levis's days with the Titans seem numbered.
For teams like the Raiders, Rams, Lions, and Jets, Levis could provide a much-needed boost in the backup department. The Raiders, eyeing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with their top pick, might consider Levis as a solid backup option to replace Aidan O'Connell.
In Los Angeles, with Matthew Stafford returning as the starter and Jimmy Garoppolo hitting free agency, the Rams are in need of a backup. Levis could bring youthful energy to the Rams' quarterback room and benefit from learning under Stafford and coach Sean McVay.
Detroit, too, might see value in Levis as a backup to Jared Goff, offering depth and potential for future growth.
Meanwhile, the Jets, having just sent Fields to Kansas City, may not be entirely comfortable with their current backup situation. Levis could be an upgrade over Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe, providing more stability behind Geno Smith.
Despite the setbacks of the past two seasons, Levis, a Kentucky product, has the potential to find a new home and thrive in a backup role that could set him up for success down the line.