NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans seem to be optimistic that quarterback Will Levis will make his return to play this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Levis has missed the last three contests for Tennessee after a setback with his right shoulder injury. The Titans' coaching staff has been playing it safe ever since, not wanting to rush their second-year quarterback back into action too soon.

"I'm hopeful that this is the week. [He] should feel good, and then we'll increase the workload and let it go and see how he responds throughout the week," said Titans head coach Brian Callahan about Levis.

Once Levis returns to the starting lineup, the plan is for him to play out the rest of the season as the starter. Then the pressure will really be on. It's now or never for Levis to prove himself capable of being the Titans' franchise quarterback.

So, what would he have to do to earn a chance at the Titans' starting quarterback job in 2025?

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Win-Loss Record

To me, Levis earning the starting quarterback job in 2025 starts by winning games in 2024. That may sound obvious…but I seriously think a 1 or 2 game swing on the Titans' record could drastically change Levis' future.

If Levis wants to avoid getting replaced, he needs to take the Titans out of a position to replace him. 

It doesn't really matter if Levis limits turnovers and shows significant improvement in the second half. If Tennessee ends up with a Top 5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a chance to select one of the top quarterbacks in the class, they're going to take it. Levis isn't a guy that Brian Callahan drafted. The "QB guru" head coach is going to want his own guy to work with if given the opportunity. 

The Chicago Bears could have stuck with Justin Fields, continued to develop him, built the roster around him and probably had some success. But when positioned to reset the clock on your QB's contract and grab a talent like Caleb Williams, you take it.

The Houston Texans had seen many flashes from Davis Mills in his first two seasons. Mills started 26 games from 2021-2022 and in six of them, passed for over 300 yards. In those six games, he had 1,875 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. That's a lot to work with, but when the team doesn't win and you have a chance to get C.J. Stroud, it doesn't matter.

Step one for Levis is winning some games. He doesn't have to run the table. But let's say the Titans finish out the 2024 regular season going 5-4 down the stretch. That leaves Tennessee at 7-10 on the year. 

Last year, that would result in a draft selection in the 7-11 range. But given the number of bad teams around the league right now (nine teams with two wins), a 7-10 Titans team could easily be drafting 13th or 14th. That would take Tennessee out of position to draft one of the top quarterbacks in the class, leaving only the bridge veteran QBs from the free agent market on the table. 

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Reliability

Along with winning some games, Levis also needs to be reliable. Reliability may not look like someone who posts 300+ yard, 3+ touchdowns games, But Levis needs to show he can operate the Titans' offense with consistent efficiency. He needs to cut the sloppy turnovers He needs to do what an established veteran quarterback would do (i.e. Mason Rudolph).

If the Titans are winning some games, not picking at the top of the draft, and feel like Levis is just as reliable as some of the veterans on the open market in free agency, he gives himself a legitimate shot to be the Titans starting quarterback in 2025 and beyond. But that clock starts now. 

As soon as he suits up again, Levis is building the resume that will be assessed by Brian Callahan and Ran Carthon at the end of the season. I'm giving him a clean slate when he returns from injury, but there's absolutely a sense of urgency and history would suggest that Levis' leash is getting shorter and tighter in a hurry.

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