Will Levis reports to Titans training camp as backup quarterback battle begins
Training camps start this week across the NFL, and for Will Levis, the next month is crucial as the Tennessee Titans decide who will back up Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, Levis or Malik Willis.
Willis, who is entering his second year in the league, seemed to have a leg up on Levis in OTAs and mandatory minicamp in May and June, which is to be expected as the rookie learns the ropes of not only being a professional, but also Tennessee’s offense. That said, Levis showed improvement as OTAs went on, and could earn the backup role with a strong showing at training camp.
The Titans reported to camp today and in his remarks to the media, Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel praised both Willis and Levis, noting that Willis’ performance in OTAs was a “glaring improvement” over his rookie season. The 2022 third-round pick from Liberty was forced into action when Tannehill went injured his ankle last season, starting four games, three of which the Titans lost. Willis finished the 2022 season 31-61 for 276 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions.
“I thought Malik [Willis] came out of the spring with glaring improvement,” Vrabel said today when asked about his quarterback room. “Will [Levis] learned about what it takes to be an NFL quarterback and certainly the consistency that Ryan [Tannehill] showed during the offseason and his willingness to pick up new terminology with the offense.
“We feel good about where we’re at. You can’t have too many quarterbacks, and hopefully, they’re all good ones, and that we’ll have tough decisions. It was fun to see the guys improve.”
One area in which Levis struggled during OTAs was accuracy and touch on short routes. Vrabel noted how Levis improved on that as the spring period went on.
“I think that showed up throughout the offseason, some of those routes where you have to kind of throw it out in front of somebody or zone coverage when you have to put the ball over defenders into a spot. I thought there was evidence of that. He made a throw the other day where there was evidence of that. Maybe had to put some touch on it and again, Will is a big strong kid that’s going to continue to improve and sees defenses and recognition and where to go with the ball, and then he has to throw at different speeds.”
Levis returned to Nashville last week and worked out at Vanderbilt’s practice facility, footage of which he shared on social media. He also signed his contract, a four-year deal estimated to be worth $9.5 million, $7 million guaranteed.
During a recent appearance on “Unpolished Gems with Jesse and Brian Kay,” Levis said that in 15 years, he still sees himself in Titans two-tone blue.
“On my fourth contract with the Tennessee Titans. That’s the goal. I want to be a multi-world championship winner. I want to go down as the greatest quarterback that this franchise has ever had.”
As a Kentucky and Titans fan, I’m just fine with that. Titans training camp runs through August 26. I’ll have boots on the ground at Saint Thomas Sports Park on Monday to bring you the sights and sounds.
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