The Tennessee Titans camp could become uncomfortable ahead of next season, as their quarterbacks are set to learn where they stand.
The Titans drafted Kentucky quarterback Will Levis in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, although the youngster endured one of the biggest slides in recent history after being projected as a top-ten pick. Levis joins veteran Ryan Tannehill and second-year quarterback Malik Willis at the Titans, and will be looking to become their long-term option.
Competition for places will be high, and although a recent NFL rule change ensures that teams can carry a third quarterback on the gameday roster without another player making way, it isn't a rule change that looks like changing much for the Titans' quarterback dynamic.
That's because the extra quarterback used on gameday must come from the active 53-man roster, and carrying three quarterbacks on isn't something that head coach Mike Vrabel has been a fan of in the past. As a result, it could make for an awkward decision for the Titans.
Teams generally tend to carry three quarterbacks on their 53 but only activate two on gameday. The new rule change will prevent a situation where teams are left without a designated quarterback if both of those get injured by allowing the third man to step in.
However, the rule change won't make a huge different to the Titans given Vrabel's tendency to only have two quarterbacks on the roster at any one time in recent years. It seems unlikely the new rule change will alter Vrabel's stance too much and convince him to sacrifice a player elsewhere.
As a result, they are still facing an awkward decision regarding Levis and last year's third-round draft pick, Malik Willis. If they opt for only two quarterbacks, then they face the awkward call of potentially cutting Willis just a year after drafting him and effectively admitting they got it wrong.
If they change approach and sit three quarterbacks, then it would hardly seem a ringing endorsement of Levis and how they view his potential to instantly play in the NFL after drafting him this offseason and placing him third on the depth chart entering camp.
"Ryan will be the starting quarterback on Monday," Vrabel revealed at a news conference following the NFL Draft. "Malik will be the backup. Will will be the third quarterback. And what I've told them is whatever happens after that will be up to the players. That's what it's always been here. That's what we always want it to be."
Tannehill is playing out his final season with the Titans, and due to it being his send-off along with the contract he is on, the veteran's position is safe. Levis is the new kid on the block and will be looking to impress in his rookie year, but Willis has eight games of experience on his side.
Willis started three games last season, featuring in eight total. But it was a big adjustment for Willis as he failed to throw a single touchdown and was even picked off three times. With another summer camp and a period of reflection on last year Willis may be better next season, but it could become awkward at the Titans if Levis is later elevated above him in the depth chart.
