The Tennessee Titans may have made a big quarterback change when they picked Miami signal-caller Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall choice in the 2025 NFL Draft, but their plan of backing him up with strong-armed second-rounder Will Levis has already fallen apart.
Levis underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder that will force him to miss the entire 2025 season. Even though Levis conceded the starting quarterback job to Ward, this could be a crippling blow to a player who is trying hard to last as an NFL quarterback.
The Titans' current quarterback depth chart consists of Ward, career backup Brandon Allen, and one of the worst quarterbacks in NFL history in Tim Boyle. It should surprise no one if Mike Borgonzi decides to spend some money to bring in a veteran free agent that could replace Levis.
3 veteran backup QBs Titans could sign after Will Levis news
3. CJ Beathard
Beathard has spent his career as a backup in both San Francisco and Jacksonville, providing baseline competent play whenever he is called into service. While he lacks the arm to be a starter in the pros, Beathard should have no trouble picking up Callahan's offense.
Beathard, who will turn 32 in November, might be work keeping around just for his veteran insight and mentorship of a young player like Ward. If he does need to play, Callahan can likely run most of his usual offense without having to compensate too much for inferior talent compared to Ward.
2. Tyler Huntley
Huntley was an A+ backup quarterback in Baltimore, as his style of play helped the Ravens go into multiple championship races with him behind Lamar Jackson. However, Huntley's poor season with the Miami Dolphins appeared to do a serious number on his value within the league.
Huntley's arm is much weaker than Ward's, but his mobility and ability to avoid big turnovers might be all he needs to win a backup role and keep his NFL career going.
1. Carson Wentz
Wentz's time as a spot starter and bridge quarterback is officially over, as he is transitioning into a role as a backup. Wentz spent last season holding a clipboard behind Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he remains unsigned after his Andy Reid intership.
In terms of pure talent and how well they would perform if Ward were somehow unable to play, the only player on the free agent market the Titans could start without waiving the white flag on the season is Wentz. The market is exceedingly thin, and Wentz's live arm could set him apart.