How Titans' Will Levis worked to improve amid rise of Cam Ward

Months before the Tennessee Titans officially made quarterback Cam Ward the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, it was learned that Tennessee signal-caller and 2023 second-round draft choice Will Levis would spend a portion of the offseason working with well-respected quarterback trainer and coach Jordan Palmer. 

For an article published on Wednesday, Titans reporter Turron Davenport of ESPN addressed how Levis attempted to improve ahead of what could become his final training camp with Tennessee.

"They focused on becoming more consistent with pocket movement and footwork principles," Davenport wrote about Levis' time with Palmer. "...Levis said the work he put in during the offseason has made a difference. He feels his accuracy, ball placement, timing and rhythm are the best they've been throughout his career."

Head coach Brian Callahan has yet to publicly confirm Ward will be his Week 1 starter, but Levis seemed to state the obvious when he admitted in late May that his situation "sucks." Pro Football Reference stats show that Levis ended the 2024 regular season ranked 36th out of 36 qualified players with a 27.8 adjusted QBR and 35th with a 36.5 percent passing success rate. In total, he lost 10 of 12 starts before the Titans went all-in on scouting his eventual replacement. 

Ward reportedly was "everything the Titans hoped for" as an on-the-field talent and leader throughout springtime workouts. Meanwhile, Davenport noted that Levis was guilty of some familiar "mistakes" during the club's offseason program.

"Levis threw the first interception of the offseason during (organized team activities) and fumbled a snap as well," Davenport explained. "The next step for him will be at training camp in July, where he appears to be second in line for reps -- ahead of veteran free agent additions Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle."

The Titans probably hope Levis can bolster his trade value during the preseason portion of the schedule that Tennessee will open with a matchup at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 9. If those auditions go poorly, the Titans may decide they need to find an upgrade for their QB2 gig ahead of their regular-season opener versus the Denver Broncos on Sept. 7.