Free agent backup quarterbacks for Titans to pair with Will Levis
NASHVILLE — As GM Ran Carthon said during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the Tennessee Titans are going to add another quarterback this offseason to compete for the backup job. Based on the way both Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan described what they were hoping to have on a backup quarterback, I think […]
NASHVILLE — As GM Ran Carthon said during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the Tennessee Titans are going to add another quarterback this offseason to compete for the backup job.
Based on the way both Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan described what they were hoping to have on a backup quarterback, I think Malik Willis is unlikely to be the Titans' QB2 by Week 1.
So if the Titans are going to be adding a backup quarterback in free agency, what/who should they be looking for and targeting?
As head coach Brian Callahan shared during his NFL Combine media availability, the biggest thing you need from your backup quarterback is the ability to play at the drop of a hat. The Titans need to find a QB with enough experience to take over in case of injury. It always helps if it’s someone who has started games before, as you may need them to start for multiple weeks and lead a competent offense.
"You want a guy first and foremost that can play the position," said Callahan when asked what he wants in a backup quarterback. "There's another element of backup quarterbacks that's really important is how they are in the room with the starter. That matters. That relationship can be very fruitful. It can also be very damaging if it's not on the same page. Having a starter with a backup quarterback that's there to help, that assists, that sees things through the quarterbacks set of eyes can be very helpful on game days with the starting quarterback. It's a role that I think is probably undervalued publicly."
The second piece I look for is someone who has a similar style of play to the starter. In this case, that’s Will Levis.
Experience is great, but if the backup quarterback’s style requires you to completely overhaul your offense, that could make a transition difficult. I look at the Baltimore Ravens, who have had mobile quarterbacks like Tyler Huntley and Robert Griffin III backing up Lamar Jackson for years. I look at the Seattle Seahawks and how Drew Lock has backed up Geno Smith seamlessly. They’re similar in size, arm-strength, and athleticism.
So the Titans need to define what Will Levis does best and then find the free agent quarterback who shares some of those same stylistic qualities.
As we know, Levis has had a lot of success in play-action. He compliments the run game with his big arm and is never afraid to take a shot down the field. Levis has special arm talent and sneaky athleticism that he uses, but does not rely on. Of the free agent quarterbacks on the market, I look at Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, and Gardner Minshew as good options.
Sam Darnold
Darnold spent the 2023 season backing up Brock Purdy for the San Francisco 49ers and made only one start late in the year. He had 297 passing yards, three total touchdowns, and one interceptions on the season.
After the 2019 season, things were looking up for Darnold. But in the years since, the former third overall pick has had some struggles and been cut out of starting opportunities. But looking at his last two seasons combined, Darnold has 12 total touchdowns and four interceptions with over 1,400 yards passing.
He still has a huge arm and shows no fear throwing the ball down the field. I think he'd be a great backup for Levis that the Titans can have confidence in.
Drew Lock
The aforementioned Drew Lock almost earned the starting job for the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the 2022 season. But after the Seahawks chose Geno Smith and Smith made the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons, Lock was stuck in a backup role.
There's no question that Lock has some holes in his game. He throw too many interceptions for me to have confidence in him as an NFL starter. But it's hard not to believe in Lock as a backup when you see the flashes of what he's capable of.
Lock started two games for the Seahawks in 2023, including one comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football that was capped off by a 29-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Gardner Minshew
After Anthony Richardson opted for season-ending shoulder surgery, Gardner Minshew found himself as the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. Minshew started 13 games in 2023 and was one drive from leading the Colts back to the playoffs as AFC South champions.
Minshew finished the year with 3,305 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Of the three quarterbacks I named, I think Minshew has the best chance of getting signed to a be a starter somewhere. He has more recent success as a starter than the others. But if he were to settle for a backup job, the Titans should call him up.
Just like Levis, Minshew is at his best in play-action. He's a gunslinger with athletic ability that he only resorts to when he needs it. He can make any throw, and when he takes care of the football, plays at a very high level. He knows the division well and would make for an ideal Titans backup quarterback with starting capabilities.
Another strong reason why Titans should prioritize WR in draft over NFL free agency
Titans should remember this during free agency.
