NEW ORLEANS – The Titans are doing their homework on quarterbacks this offseason, evaluating options in the NFL Draft and free agency.
Quarterback Will Levis, meanwhile, is working on himself.
Here at Super Bowl LIX, Levis said his mission this offseason is to do everything he can to keep the starting job in 2025, and beyond.
And, for the record, Levis said he doesn't blame the Titans exploring their options at the position.
"Every year, I don't care what position you play, I feel like it is in their best interest to do their due diligence to make sure they know who is out there, and evaluate who they feel they need to evaluate," Levis said. "It doesn't offend me at all. And, I know going 3-14 doesn't get you job security anywhere, for any team.
"All I can do is put my head down and work to show them I can still be this team's quarterback."
While on the road scouting players, including quarterbacks, at the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl, new Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi and Coach Brian Callahan hardly quashed the idea that Levis could contend for the starting job this fall.
There's a lot to be determined, of course.
"We're going to give every opportunity to Will," Borgonzi said. "He's still a young quarterback in the league, and he hasn't had a lot of stability in terms of coordinators at Kentucky, or this level. Sometimes it takes time. He's been changing systems, really since college. Will has a lot of physical talent, and we're going to give him every opportunity to play here."
Callahan said he told Levis the team plans to explore all of its options at the quarterback position. Callahan made no promises on where the team might end up.
At the Shrine Bowl, the Titans spent time with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. In the coming weeks and months, they'll look even deeper into Sanders, Miami's Cam Ward, and others. And, of course, free agency could provide some intriguing veterans.
"That's the NFL," Callahan said. "I told Will there was going to be, at minimum, competition. At the end of the day for him, and same thing for me, every day you show up you are competing for your job. It's just the nature of it all. I was very clear, that we are in position to potentially draft one, we could sign one in free agency. So, you just have to be ready to compete. At the end of the day, just worry about yourself. Be the best version of you, work on the things you have to work on, improve those things, and don't worry about anything else. I think he learned a lot last year about a lot of that stuff and I am excited to see what that growth looks like over the offseason."
Levis, in town for a handful of appearances leading up to Sunday's game, said he's learned a lot over his first two NFL seasons.
Despite some inconsistencies, and struggles, Levis said he hasn't lost confidence.
He plans to put the work in to get better in the coming months, and he plans to fight for his job.
Levis said he texted Borgonzi, a Boston native who served the past 16 seasons with the Chiefs, after he got the GM job in Tennessee. He hopes to meet him, and talk in person, in the coming weeks.
"First thing I noticed was the 617 area code, which is close to my heart," Levis said with a smile. "But it was cool, hitting him back and forth (via text).
"He seems like a great dude, he's done some amazing things with the Chiefs obviously, and I am looking forward to getting to know him and seeing what he has planned and what he sees for the vision of this team."
Levis said he'll be prepared for anything from a competition standpoint.
When told Borgonzi said he's going to be "given every opportunity," Levis didn't flinch.
"It's good to hear, but it doesn't change my process," Levis said. "I think I have a really good schedule, and outlook, on these next couple of months before we start up OTAs. I am going to put myself in a great position to be healthy, and to be ready to play.
"And, hopefully I can do whatever I can to show them that I can and should be the quarterback for this team."
A second-round pick of the Titans in the 2023 NFL Draft, Levis completed 190-of-301 passes for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, 12 interceptions in 12 starts in 2024, with a passer rating of 81.4. He added 183 rushing yards on 45 attempts.
He lost his starting job to Mason Rudolph late in the season following a four-turnover game in December, and he missed time with a shoulder injury. Levis, who has started 21 games in his first two seasons, did start the season finale.
As Levis reflected on his second NFL season, he sees areas he can improve.
Levis also saw positives, which gives him confidence.
"I think it's taking the good with the bad, and making sure I am taking note of all the things that happened and most importantly try to clean up the things that could have made the season go a little smoother if I were able to clean things up beforehand," said Levis, who has 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in his first two NFL seasons. "A lot of good (last year), a lot of things that I think I was able to improve on from (my rookie season) and a lot of stuff I know is up to the level of what needs to happen as an NFL quarterback.
"And, a lot of throws, too, that a lot of NFL quarterbacks weren't able to make, and those plays give me the confidence to go and improve on the things that I need to to propel me further in this league."
Levis confirmed his plans to train with noted quarterbacks coach Jordan Palmer for six weeks in California, starting on March 2.
Levis also spent time with Palmer in the predraft process back in 2023, and said he feels comfortable with everything from the physical therapy aspect to the speed and strength training to Palmer's QB ideas.
Levis said he'll focus this offseason on trying to improve his movement in the pocket, mainly the subtle movements when he drops back. Levis feels like he improved his base in Year 2, but he believes he needs to dial in on movements in the pocket.
"I look forward to using it as a time to better myself as a person, and as a player," Levis said. "And come back a better leader and person for this team."
Callahan said he's looking forward to seeing how much Levis improves in the coming months, before the team's offseason program begins.
In the months to come, we'll all find out what kind of competition Levis might face in an effort to keep his job.
"You grow up a lot when you go through a season like we had last year, your perspective changes," Callahan said. "So, I think Will will be ready to go. He's a competitor and he'll be ready to show everything he can to show that he can be the quarterback.
"As we all know, sometimes you draft a young player, and maybe they're not ready right away, or maybe they are. So, there's a lot of openings for him to show his improvement, and I think he'll be up for the task."
