The Tennessee Titans selected Will Levis to be their franchise quarterback, but after three years, he finds himself on the trade market. During the 2024 season, Levis spent much of the time sidelined with a shoulder injury while Cam Ward assumed the role of the team’s starting quarterback. Despite his promising start, Levis’s situation changed dramatically due to injury and organizational challenges.
Levis, once a standout at Kentucky, appeared in 21 games for the Titans and earned the respect of his teammates by being named a captain in his second year. Yet, the Titans’ struggles with a weak offensive line and lack of reliable playmakers severely hindered his and the team’s potential to succeed. Additionally, Levis suffered an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder early in the 2024 season, forcing him to play through pain and limiting his effectiveness.
The Ups and Downs of Will Levis’s Performance
Fans of the Tennessee Titans have experienced mixed feelings about Will Levis, much like Kentucky supporters felt about Brandon Garrison. Levis’s displays of raw talent and athleticism have been remarkable at times, yet his mistakes have led to frustration and disbelief. His inconsistency creates a stark contrast within his gameplay that leaves observers divided.
The Titans’ 2024 season ended with a disappointing 3-14 record, for which Levis bore much of the criticism. Although he made some spectacular plays, including a memorable 98-yard touchdown pass, his errors became a focal point for fans and social media alike. Despite viral memes depicting his missteps, his overall statistics were respectable: 21 touchdowns in 21 appearances, an average of 186 yards per game, and a 61 percent completion rate.
Nonetheless, the Titans opted to transition away from Levis by using their No. 1 overall draft pick to bring in Cam Ward, starting a new era at quarterback. Yet, after a season with Ward, few statistical differences separate the two signal-callers.
Statistical Comparison Between Will Levis and Cam Ward
Reviewing the numbers, Cam Ward holds a marginally better touchdown-to-interception ratio, posting 15 touchdowns to 7 interceptions compared to Levis’s 21-to-8 tally. However, that advantage is limited. Levis has a slightly higher winning percentage in games played at 24 percent compared to Ward’s 17 percent. Ward, while having a slightly lower completion percentage, has thrown for nearly the same yards per game but tends to rely more on shorter, safer passes, with his average attempt distance over a yard shorter than Levis’s.
The Importance of the Narrative Around Both Quarterbacks
The common storyline framing Will Levis as a bust and Cam Ward as the next Tom Brady is misleading and oversimplified. While Ward’s future remains uncertain, both quarterbacks have logged comparable playing time in the NFL, and their statistical performance suggests a surprisingly balanced competition rather than a clear superiority. This parity challenges prevailing assumptions and invites a closer look at the factors influencing their careers beyond raw stats alone.
What Lies Ahead for Will Levis?
Despite the detailed scrutiny of their numbers, the course for Will Levis seems set. The Titans are expected to explore trade opportunities for him during the offseason, seeking to recoup value from their 2023 second-round pick. However, a trade is not guaranteed. The organization has retained Levis following his injury, supporting his rehabilitation within team facilities, and he remains a possible option as a capable backup quarterback who could mentor young Cam Ward.
Finding veteran quarterbacks to fill backup roles with leadership qualities is difficult, and Levis might fit that need. Meanwhile, many fans, including those from the Big Blue Nation, hope to see a fully healthy Will Levis revive his career elsewhere. With potential free agency moves such as Wan’Dale Robinson entering the market, an NFL reunion of former Kentucky teammates could be a compelling prospect.
Ultimately, calling Will Levis a failure overlooks the obstacles he has faced, including playing injured on a struggling team. His blend of talent and toughness indicates that his NFL story is far from over, promising more exciting moments and opportunities ahead.
98-YARD TD! 😱😱 Will Levis takes a shot out of the end zone and it pays off for the @Titans!
📺: #MINvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/0o5Uj7RZ9q— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024
The generational meme run for Will Levis continues
byu/Officer_Zack inTennesseetitans
