We know QB1 and QB2...who is QB3? If the Titans decide to keep a third QB on the roster.
With the NFL Offseason at it halfway point, rosters are taking shape. One way NFL teams transform their roster is by trimming down position groups by knowing who is the "odd man out". The Titans, as of late June, have four QBs on their roster. Carrying 4 QBs on a NFL roster is a rare method for NFL franchises, so let's take a look at what route the Titans will likely take in the coming weeks. Let's start with the obvious...
Starting Quarterback: Cam Ward. No questions. No controversies. No complaints. Titans fans are expecting a big leap from the 2nd year QB. With new weapons, a new coaching, and even a newly trained body - Cam Ward has eyes on taking a step forward as the Titans franchise quarterback . No one is gunning for his job, but it will be worth keeping him upright this season. Cam Ward made 17 consecutive starts last season along with being the only QB in the NFL to play every single offensive snap until his injury in week 18 against the Jaguars. Will Cam Ward repeat the trend of 2nd year QBs making an MVP caliber jump? Expectations should be tempered for the former #1 overall draft pick, but Cam Ward will be fun to watch regardless.
Backup Quarterback: Mitchell Trubisky Although the Titans did not see backup quarterback play until week 18, what they did see was not NFL level competent. Brandon Allen who was formerly QB2 walked in free agency leaving the security blanket for the quarterback position in question. Come March, the Titans and their new regime brought in familiar pieces. Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll sought after former Buffalo Bills QB - Mitchell Trubisky. Daboll and Trubisky crossed paths while in Buffalo together in 2021. Trubisky has found himself in conversation as one of the most reliable and capable backup QBs in the NFL. Although Trubisky did not see much game action in Buffalo, thanks to Josh Allen's ability to stay healthy all those years, Trubisky has proved he can man the ship when called upon. Since March, Trubisky has been widely viewed the locked in QB2 for the Titans in 2026. With Mini-camp in the rearview mirror, reports were trickling in that Trubisky went 78-of-97 in his five offseason appearances with the Titans. That is a encouraging note for Titans fans. Trubisky said it was a "no-brainer" coming to Tennessee and reuniting with Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator. Trubisky also added this in why he joined the Titans, saying "I'm getting up there with experience, but I feel like I have a lot to offer. I love being a great teammate, I love working hard out there." Titans fans would hope not to see Mitchell Trubisky take snaps in replacement for Cam Ward, but if the moment comes...Trubisky is the next man up to man the ship.
TRADED: Will Levis Look, there are many different outcomes that are possible for Will Levis. But let's take the honorable approach. Both Tennessee and Levis hope for the best for each other. That means Levis likely seeing his way out in the coming weeks. As his time as the Titans starter in mid 2024 till end of 2025, the Will Levis experience was a rollercoaster to say the least. Levis brust onto the NFL scene by tossing 4 TD's in his first start...and then it all went down hill from there. But, whatever you may think about Levis - the potential and the upside are there. Will Levis has been at Titans offseason training opportunities, meeting coaches, and getting reps at QB3 this summer. Even OC Brian Daboll has vouched his support and hope for Levis saying "Will has been really good for us. He has picked up the system well. He is a big, strong, athletic guy who has played some in the league. He kind of gets a fresh start with us." Quarterback Will Levis has gone 68-of-105 in seven open practices so far this offseason. We will see if those statements remain true come Preseason time, but until then, you can consider Will Levis as the first "odd man out". Many suspect Levis nets a trade value of a 6th-7th round pick. If not that, a likely cut candidate late August. Until then, the Titans will be there for Levis to put some game tape on and both sides will likely look for a solution that is best for both.
PRACTICE SQUAD: Hendon Hooker Hendon Hooker has been labeled as QB4 this offseason with an uphill battle to stay on the roster come September. The former Tennessee Volunteer finds himself back in the state of Tennessee as a practice squad candidate. Hooker has seen very limited in seeing game action since being drafted in third round of the 2023 NFL draft. Formerly a Detroit Lions QB, Hooker only saw himself throwing 9passes - completing only 6 of them for 62 yards across 3 games. With minimal time seen on the field, this will be a tough fight for Hooker. But one can only imagine Hooker will come valuable during the preseason, but when cut day rolls around it will be unlikely to see Hendon Hooker on the active roster for week 1 against the Jets.
The Titans have many ways they can handle this crowded quarterback room. But one thing is clear, not many question are crowding the position group in Tennessee. We know who will be starting in Week 1. We know who the back up is. We just don't know how many QBs will stay on the roster. You can expect 2 of the 4 QBs to be the "odd man out" this offseason.