The Tennessee Titans have their quarterback of the future in Cam Ward, but that is the only thing we know for sure about the team's plan at the position. Will Levis was supposed to be Ward's backup in training camp, and his job was to put on a show in the preseason in an effort to raise his trade value.
Levis opted for season-ending shoulder surgery instead. His trip to IR left the Titans with Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle playing behind Ward, and they'll undeniably play the majority of reps during the preseason.
However, it isn't a given that Allen or Boyle will be on the roster after the preseason. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler visited Titans training camp this weekend, and he had a surprising takeaway about the franchise's view of the quarterback room.
Report: Titans exploring free agency, trade market for potential backup QB
"While the Titans have been pleased with Brandon Allen's presence as the primary backup quarterback, they will monitor free agency or potential trades for veterans over the next month. Allen looked capable of handling QB2 duties from what I saw. He has been productive in camp."
Allen appeared to have solidified his role as the backup quarterback following Levis' injury. The fact that Fowler felt compelled to suggest that the Titans are monitoring free agency and the trade market suggests Allen is still battling to prove his legitimacy as the team's QB2.
Fans shouldn't expect fireworks here, though; any trade would likely be in exchange for a low-cost veteran. Instead, the most likely scenario is that general manager Mike Borgonzi has an internal list of quarterbacks he might be interested in.
Since the Titans have top priority on the waiver wire, all they have to do is compare the top available quarterback to Allen. If that quarterback is an upgrade, they will pull the trigger and work on getting Allen or Boyle on the practice squad.