Just when we thought we had a handle on the Tennessee Titans’ quarterback situation after the team failed to land one in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL draft, the team threw a curveball by trading up to select Will Levis in Round 2.
Now, the question becomes: will the Titans start Levis in Year 1, or will they roll with one of their other quarterbacks in Ryan Tannehill or Malik Willis?
When asked about the quarterback pecking order on Friday night after what was a baffling Day 2 for the team, head coach Mike Vrabel said Tannehill is the starter, followed by Willis as the No. 2 and Levis as the No. 3.
However, Vrabel left the door open for things to change, saying that “whatever happens after that will be up to the players.”
“Ryan will be the starting quarterback on Monday,” Vrabel said. “Malik will be the backup. Will will be the third quarterback. And what I’ve told them is whatever happens after that will be up to the players. That’s what it’s always been here. That’s what we always want it to be.”
Vrabel also didn’t rule out carrying all three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster.
Vrabel: Doesn't rule out keeping three QBs on the roster
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) April 29, 2023
Despite what Vrabel says, I cannot fathom the Titans carrying all three into the 2023 campaign.
Instead, I expect either Tannehill or Willis to be moved, with Tannehill being the greater asset when it comes to trade value. And, hopefully one of those players is traded on Day 3 of the draft to get Tennessee another pick.
Just speculation on my part, but if Levis is a Year 1 starter in the Titans’ eyes, Tannehill is more likely to be moved. However, if Levis needs a year to develop, Willis is more likely to go.
Cutting or trading Tannehill after June 1 would save a whopping $27 million on the salary cap in 2023, while also creating a dead-cap charge of $9 million.
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