Tennessee GM states why Titans kept Will Levis despite drafting Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky quoted general manager Mike Bogzoni discussing why they chose to keep quarterback Will Levis despite selecting Cam Ward with the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cam Ward, second right, poses for pictures after being introduced as the Tennessee Titans first-round pick and number one overall pick n the NFL Draft at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 25, 2025. Those pictured are, from left, Chad Brinker, president of football operations, Brian Callahan, head coach, Amy Adams Strunk, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, Ward and Mike Borgonzi, general manager. Mandatory Credit: The Tennessean/USA TODAY NETWORK via
Cam Ward, second right, poses for pictures after being introduced as the Tennessee Titans first-round pick and number one overall pick n the NFL Draft at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 25, 2025. Those pictured are, from left, Chad Brinker, president of football operations, Brian Callahan, head coach, Amy Adams Strunk, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, Ward and Mike Borgonzi, general manager. Mandatory Credit: The Tennessean/USA TODAY NETWORK via | The Tennessean-Imagn Images

Longtime Tennessee Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky quoted general manager Mike Borgoni stating that returning starter Will Levis "elevates the competition in the QB room. There was not an attempt to move him during the draft." Tennessee drafted Miami quarterback Cam Ward first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Tennessee drafted Levis 33rd overall with the first pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Levis has completed 61.0 percent of his pass attempts for 3,899 yards, 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions with an 82.7 passer rating while leading Tennessee to a 5-16 record as a starter.

Levis is entering the third year of a $9,542,165 rookie contract in 2025. Tennessee seems likely to keep Levis through at least the 2025 season unless they receive a favorable trade offer. The Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints could be franchises to watch that could be in the market for a QB.

Ward was drafted to be the long-term QB for Tennessee. Levis provides Tennessee with experience, but it would be shocking if he provides competition to Ward and has any chance to start in the season opener. Veterans Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle are the other QBs on the Tennessee roster.

Levis started nine games as a rookie in 2023 and completed 58.4 percent of his pass attempts for 1,808 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions with an 84.2 passer rating and a 3-6 record as a starter. Ward proved his ability to elevate an offense with Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami in college.

Tennessee signed Tyler Lockett as a free agent from Seattle, drafted Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor and signed Xavier Restrepo as an undrafted free agent to help elevate their receiving corps in 2025. Calvin Ridley, who led Tennessee with 120 targets, 64 receptions and 1,017 receiving yards, provides Ward with a WR1.

Levis was drafted when Mike Vrabel was the Tennessee head coach. Brian Callahan is entering his second season as the Tennessee head coach and will be able to mentor a QB he helped draft in Ward. Callahan's background is at QB as a player and position coach in the NFL. Levis provides insurance for Ward more than competition.

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