The Tennessee Titans are turning the page at quarterback, and Cam Ward is the new chapter. The former Washington State standout is set to lead the offense in 2026, which leaves Will Levis in a familiar and uncertain spot-on the outside looking in.
Levis, a former second-round pick out of Kentucky, missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. And with a new regime in place-both in the front office and on the sidelines-the Titans appear ready to move forward without him as part of their long-term plans.
That doesn't mean Levis is out of the league’s picture entirely. In fact, there’s a growing sense around the NFL that a trade could be on the horizon.
ESPN’s Ben Solak summed it up well, saying he’d be “stunned” if Levis isn’t moved this offseason. And the logic checks out.
Despite an uneven rookie campaign, Levis still has traits that teams covet: prototypical size, a strong arm, and enough flashes on tape to suggest there’s something to work with.
Let’s rewind to 2024-the last time Levis saw the field. He started 12 games for Tennessee, throwing 13 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.
Not exactly eye-popping numbers, but not a disaster either, especially considering the Titans were in flux and lacked consistency on offense. Levis showed toughness, some mobility, and a willingness to push the ball downfield.
He wasn’t perfect, but he wasn’t hopeless either.
Now, with Ward firmly in place as the Titans’ starter, Levis becomes a potential trade chip. And there are a few teams that could make sense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
If Aaron Rodgers decides to hang it up, Pittsburgh could be in the market for a bridge quarterback.
Levis, still just 26, could fill that role while the Steelers figure out their next long-term move. He wouldn’t cost much-likely a Day 3 pick-and he’d bring some upside to a quarterback room that’s in transition.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are committed to developing J.J.
McCarthy, but that doesn’t mean they’re set at the position. Bringing in a player like Levis could add competition in camp and give the team a capable backup with starting experience.
Minnesota is expected to explore the veteran market, but Levis could be a low-risk, high-upside addition to that mix.
Kansas City Chiefs
This one’s more about timing than long-term fit.
Patrick Mahomes is recovering from knee surgery and, while he's aiming to be ready for Week 1, the Chiefs can’t afford to be caught flat-footed. Levis could serve as a short-term insurance policy-someone who can hold down the fort if Mahomes needs a few extra weeks.
It’s a smart move for a team with Super Bowl aspirations that doesn’t want to gamble on depth at the most important position.
At this point, it feels like a trade is more of a “when” than an “if.” The Titans have made their choice, and Ward is their guy. Levis, meanwhile, is still young enough and talented enough to earn another shot, especially in a league where quarterback depth is always in demand.
And with a likely price tag of a late-round pick, he could be one of the more intriguing buy-low options on the market this offseason.