What will the Titans do at backup quarterback?

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The biggest Tennessee Titans’ news in a while dropped on Monday, as the team announced that quarterback Will Levis will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on July 29.

With Levis out for the 2025 campaign, the Titans will need to reevaluate the backup quarterback spot. Here are some potential avenues general manager Mike Borgonzi could take.

Written by Dharya Sharma

Founder/Owner of SharmSports. NFL contributor at The Sporting News

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Most Likely outcome: Brandon Allen will be QB2

There’s a reason why the Titans signed Brandon Allen.

The 32-year-old spent three seasons with Brian Callahan in Cincinnati and has just enough starting experience to be tabbed as a viable backup. If Allen does see the field at some point this year, he could keep Tennessee somewhat competitive, but won’t be able to string together wins on a week to week basis, which would help the still rebuilding Titans draft placement.

Overall, Allen is fine, and the Titans don’t need a high-level backup quarterback in 2025.

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Could happen: Sign a veteran quarterback to compete with Allen

The quarterback market in free agency is dry, and none are worth spending money on to be a backup behind Cam Ward.

However, Callahan and Borgonzi could value backup quarterback more than we think, so they could look to sign a signal-caller.

Carson Wentz is a strong candidate, as he spent time with Borgonzi in Kansas City last season and is an adequate backup. A reunion with Ryan Tannehill or Logan Woodside is also possible, but unlikely.

Another name that intrigues me is Tyler Huntley. Having his dual-threat skillset in the quarterback room could help out Cam Ward.

I could see the Titans signing a quarterback in free agency, but it likely won’t be a major move.

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The unlikely wild card: A trade

This is the least likely outcome for obvious reasons, as giving up any sort of draft capital for a backup quarterback doesn’t make much sense for the Titans.

But say the Cleveland Browns, who have a crowded quarterback room, are willing to trade Kenny Pickett or Joe Flacco for a late Day 3 pick at the end of camp. Would the Titans pounce on that opportunity if Allen underwhelms in camp? Maybe.

The Browns seem destined to make a major quarterback trade, as Pickett, Flacco, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders can’t all make the roster.