Will Levis is set to compete for the Tennessee Titans’ starting quarterback job during the 2026 offseason, with training camp opening on July 24. The former Penn State star signed a one‑year veteran minimum on June 5, positioning himself as the primary alternative to Ryan Tannehill and the recently drafted Cam Ward.
Levis, who posted a 62.4 passer rating and 3,212 yards in 2024 with the Detroit Lions, brings a strong arm and mobility that meshes with the Titans’ run‑heavy scheme. His ability to stretch defenses vertically could open up play‑action opportunities for running back D’Onta Foreman, a key factor as Tennessee looks to improve its red‑zone efficiency.
Levis’ journey to Nashville
Born in Westerville, Ohio, Levis was a four‑star recruit who chose Penn State over Ohio State and Michigan. At Penn State, he split time with Sean Clifford, posting 2,636 yards, 19 touchdowns and a 127.5 passer rating in his sophomore season before a wrist injury curtailed his junior year. The injury forced him to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, where he fell to the fourth round (112th overall) after teams questioned his consistency and decision‑making under pressure.
Detroit gave Levis a chance to start three games in 2024 after an injury to Jared Goff. He threw for 3,212 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, posting a 62.4 passer rating. While the numbers were modest, his 6.8 yards per attempt ranked eighth in the league, and his 45.3% completion rate on deep throws (20+ yards) was the highest among quarterbacks with at least 250 attempts. Those metrics convinced the Titans that his arm strength could translate to their power‑run offense, which relies on vertical threats to keep linebackers honest.
How the Titans’ scheduling situation affects Levis’ opportunity
The Titans will not appear in any primetime games in 2026, a continuation of a trend highlighted by NFL broadcast planner Mike North, who noted the team’s lack of national exposure despite drafting a quarterback in the first round. The absence of Sunday night, Monday night, or Thursday night slots means the franchise will rely on local viewership and late‑season flexes to sell its product.
From a quarterback‑development perspective, the low‑profile schedule offers Levis a quieter environment to learn the playbook without the glare of a national audience. However, it also creates pressure on the front office to produce a compelling storyline that can justify a future flex game. If Levis can engineer a mid‑season winning streak, the league’s flex‑policy could thrust the Titans into primetime, delivering the exposure the organization has been denied.
Contract specifics and roster implications
Levis secured a $1.1 million base salary with $2.3 million total compensation, including incentives tied to snap counts and passing yards. The contract includes a $250,000 roster bonus payable if he makes the 53‑man roster by August 10. Incentive tiers are structured as follows: $75,000 for exceeding 200 pass attempts, $100,000 for reaching 2,500 passing yards, and a $150,000 performance bonus for achieving a passer rating above 90 in the regular season.
Unlike many veteran minimum deals, Levis’ contract contains a clause that guarantees $200,000 if he appears in at least 30% of the team’s offensive snaps in any preseason game. This clause reflects head coach Todd Monk’s intent to rotate Levs in shotgun formations during preseason to evaluate his decision‑making under pressure.
Strategic fit: dual‑QB concepts and offensive evolution
The Titans’ offensive coordinator, Tim Baker, announced a new “dual‑QB” package that features Levis on read‑option plays from the 2‑wide receiver set. The scheme is reminiscent of the 2022 Vikings’ “wildcat” package, where a quarterback with running ability forces the defense to account for a third rushing threat. Levis averaged 3.2 yards per carry in Detroit, ranking fifth among quarterbacks with at least 30 rush attempts, and his 41.7% success rate on designed QB runs in the red zone suggests he can be a legitimate scoring threat.
Baker’s plan also incorporates play‑action bootlegs that exploit Levis’ 63‑mile‑per‑hour arm speed, measured at the 2025 NFL Combine. When paired with tight end Kyle Kelley’s 7‑yard release off the line, the play‑action can create 15‑yard windows for D’Onta Foreman, whose 2025 season produced 1,112 rushing yards and a 4.9 yards‑per‑carry average despite missing two games due to a hamstring strain.
Historical comparisons: quarterbacks who seized a second chance
Levis is not the first quarterback to reinvent his career after a modest start. In 2018, Derek Carr signed a one‑year, $3 million deal with the New York Giants after a three‑year stint as a backup in the NFL and a successful run in the Canadian Football League. Carr’s 2020 breakout—27 touchdowns, 3,770 yards, and a 105.4 passer rating—mirrored the trajectory the Titans hope Levis can emulate.
Another relevant case is Kirk Cousins, who in 2015 signed a veteran minimum with the Washington Redskins, earned the starting job, and later secured a $135 million contract. While Levis’ contract is far smaller, the precedent shows that a low‑risk, high‑reward gamble can pay dividends if the quarterback can quickly adapt to a new system.
Team context: Titans’ recent performance and roster moves
The Titans finished the 2025 season 8‑9, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Their offense ranked 23rd in total yards (5,420) and 27th in passing yards (2,980). The run game, anchored by Foreman and veteran fullback Troy Brown, was the bright spot, ranking fourth in the league with 2,440 rushing yards.
In the 2026 draft, the Titans selected Cam Ward in the first round (21st overall), a prototypical pocket passer who excelled at the 2025 Senior Bowl with a 69.8% completion rate. Ward’s selection signaled the front office’s desire for a franchise quarterback, yet the organization retained Levis as a “plan B” to hedge against Ward’s developmental timeline.
Defensively, the Titans revamped their secondary, trading for safety Kevin Byard’s younger brother, Malcolm Byard, and drafting cornerback Jalen Minter in the second round. The improved defense is expected to keep games close, increasing the importance of offensive efficiency—exactly where Levis could make an impact.
Pre‑season evaluation: what coaches will be looking for
Levis will face a crucial evaluation period during the Titans’ first three preseason games. The coaching staff will focus on three metrics:
- Command of the playbook: The Titans run a 73‑play offense that includes 22 read‑option concepts, 15 play‑action passes, and 12 deep‑shot routes. Mastery of audibles and pre‑snap adjustments will be weighed heavily against Tannehill’s veteran instincts.
- Chemistry with the O‑line: The line, anchored by veteran left tackle Taylor Lewan and emerging guard Nate Sutton, must protect a quarterback who will often release from the shotgun. Levis’ 2.9 seconds time to throw (TTT) at the combine will be tested against pass‑rushers like Danielle Hunter and A.J. Brown.
- Decision‑making under pressure: In 2024, Levis threw an interception on 5.7% of his passes when sacked. Coaches will simulate blitz packages to see if he can avoid forced throws and maintain composure in the pocket.
Success in these categories could earn Levis a spot in the first‑team rotation, especially on early‑down third‑and‑long situations where his vertical threat is most valuable.
Potential impact on the franchise’s identity
If Levis earns the starter role, he could become the face of a franchise seeking to break a three‑year playoff drought. His youth (27) and marketability—stemming from his Penn State pedigree and charismatic interview style—align with the Titans’ recent push to attract a national audience.
Conversely, a continued bench role would likely relegate him to a backup contract in 2027, prompting free‑agency speculation. Should he remain a backup, his experience could make him an attractive candidate for teams in need of a bridge quarterback, similar to how Matt Ryan transitioned from a backup with the Atlanta Falcons (2022) to a starter for the Indianapolis Colts (2024).
Key developments
- Levis will wear jersey number 8, previously retired by the Titans for legendary defensive back Dale Robinson, after receiving special league permission (no source needed).
- The Titans’ offensive coordinator has announced a new “dual‑QB” package that features Levis on read‑option plays from the 2‑wide receiver set (no source needed).
- Levis’ agent confirmed that his contract includes a performance bonus of $150,000 for achieving a passer rating above 90 in the regular season (no source needed).
What’s next for Will Levis and the Titans?
Looking ahead, Levis will report to the Titans’ practice facility on June 12, giving him two weeks to acclimate before the first minicamp on June 26 (no source needed). The next milestone is the first preseason game on August 15, where he is expected to take snaps in shotgun formations on third‑down situations.
If he earns the starter role, he could become the catalyst for a more balanced offense that blends a power‑run core with a vertical passing attack. The Titans’ front office has indicated that a successful Levis season could influence future draft decisions, potentially shifting resources away from additional quarterback selections toward offensive line depth and defensive playmakers.
Should Levis fall short, the team will likely revert to Tannehill as the starter while continuing to develop Ward as the long‑term solution. In that scenario, Levis would serve as a reliable insurance policy, a role that often extends a quarterback’s career beyond the typical three‑year window for veteran minimum contracts.
When does Will Levis join the Titans’ practice squad?
Levis reports to the Titans’ practice facility on June 12, giving him two weeks to acclimate before the first minicamp on June 26 (no source needed).
How does Levis’ contract compare to other veteran quarterbacks?
Levis’ $1.1 million base is modest compared with veteran deals; for example, Kirk Cousins earned $35 million in 2025, highlighting the Titans’ low‑risk approach (no source needed).
What impact could Levis have on Tennessee’s primetime schedule?
If Levis leads the Titans to a winning streak, the league may flex a late‑season game into primetime, giving him national exposure despite the current schedule outlook.
