The Tennessee Titans were slated to enter training camp later this week with a Will Levis conundrum on their hands. No. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward is obviously going to be the starter this year. With Levis still under contract, the Titans were to be tasked with attempting to trade him prior to finalizing their initial 53-man roster.
That's no longer the case. Out-of-nowhere news arrived Monday morning, roughly 24 hours prior to camp. Levis will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery later this month. The Titans and Levis will reconvene next offseason to find a solution.
#Titans QB Will Levis will undergo surgery on his throwing shoulder, sources say, ending his 2025 season. Surgery is July 29.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2025
Levis has elected to have the procedure to ensure long-term health, based on medical opinions, one that should help him be ready for the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/9ZGWqeGGt5
Levis' career with the Titans was likely over prior to this news. This simply drags out the process for another calendar year. Levis remains under contract in Tennessee. Knowing his next opportunity will make-or-break his career, he's essentially opting to take a medical year to ensure he's in tip-top shape whenever that opportunity arrives. The decision to undergo surgery to repair his AC joint reportedly arrived after consulting with doctors and his representatives, per the team's official statement.
That indicates a potential difference of opinion between the Titans' doctors and whatever medical advice Levis pursued outside the organization.
Levis will spend the entire 2025 season on IR. For now, the Titans will move forward with Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle as the backup quarterbacks behind Ward. Both were signed in free agency earlier this offseason. Allen was already projected to be the Titans' No. 2 QB due to his knowledge of head coach Brian Callahan's offense, having previously played under him in Cincinnati.
General manager Mike Borgonzi had shown interest in having four healthy quarterbacks at camp. Levis' injury brings them back down to three. Borgonzi will either add a training camp arm, or he could pursue a legitimate signal-caller to compete with Allen for backup duties. There's slim pickings on the market, with familiar face Ryan Tannehill, and Carson Wentz, as the best veterans available.
Levis appeared in 12 games for the Titans last season. He was abysmal, throwing for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Getting rid of Levis will be next offseason's problem.