In the world of professional football, the margin between stardom and struggle can be razor-thin, and no one exemplifies that more right now than Will Levis. Drafted 33rd overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2023, the former Kentucky star was once heralded as a potential franchise quarterback. But just two years later, his place within the team, and the NFL as a whole, appears precarious.
Levis’ rookie season showed promise, with eight touchdowns to four interceptions over nine games. Yet his sophomore campaign painted a different picture. Despite opportunities as the starting quarterback, Levis struggled with consistency, turning the ball over 15 times, 12 interceptions and three lost fumbles, in just 12 games. The culmination of these challenges came in a dismal performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12, where he registered four turnovers and a mere 89 passing yards.
The fallout was swift. Mason Rudolph, a journeyman quarterback, was tapped to replace Levis temporarily. Now, with the Titans expected to select quarterback Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, Levis seems to have permanently lost his grip on the starting role.
Concern for the signal caller
Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi’s recent comments offered little reassurance for the beleaguered signal-caller. “Will is a quarterback in our room and he’s still developing,” Borgonzi said during a pre-draft press conference. “He’s had some good moments, and like any other young quarterback, they’re continuing to develop.” However, the lukewarm tone of Borgonzi’s evaluation, coupled with ESPN’s report that Levis could be deemed expendable, has cast doubt on his future with the team.
Levis remains optimistic about his ability to succeed in the league, even if it means finding a new home. “I still believe that I can be the franchise quarterback for this team,” he said last December. “I have the utmost confidence in myself and my ability to lead any team in this league.”
The Titans’ quarterback room already includes veterans Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle, both of whom are seen as better suited to mentor an incoming rookie like Ward. This leaves Levis as a potential trade candidate for teams looking to develop a high-upside talent at a reduced cost.
In 20 career games, Levis has thrown for 3,899 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. While his physical tools remain evident, his ability to translate them into consistent NFL success has yet to be proven. Whether in Tennessee or elsewhere, the coming days could define the trajectory of his career. For Will Levis, the NFL draft won’t just be about new beginnings, it might be about finding a second chance.
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