By Joshua Stewart
Twitter: @JoshStewart47
An injured starting quarterback that gives a back-up rookie the chance to make a name for himself? Where have we heard that one before.
Will Levis will be hoping that his career follows a similar trajectory to the legendary Tom Brady after having to step in to fill the empty boots left by an injured Ryan Tannehill.
The Tennessee Titans will be glad that there second round pick in the 2023 NFL draft already looks like a wise investment. Levis threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns on his debut. In comparison, Tannehill has averaged 210 passing yards and just three total touchdowns this season, excluding his last game in which he had to leave early due to injury.
It would be incredibly unlikely that the Titan’s head coach Mike Vrabel would be willing to rest the season on Levis unexperienced shoulders but outside factors may force him to take that risk.
Tannehill is a free agent at the end of the season and with a bumper contract to match his veteran status, Vrabel may start to think its time to turn to the future. It would make sense to give Levis a year to learn under a very experienced and capable Tannehill before transitioning to the young Kentucky alum.
However, over in the north of the country in Minnesota, Kirk Cousins was injured in his last game. With the Vikings desperate for another ply-off appearance and only a back-up left to lead that charge, it isn’t a surprise to hear rumours of Minnesota looking to see if they can tempt anyone in to cover for Cousins. Tannehill is a name that has been mentioned.
Tennessee have the opportunity to receive draft compensation, should they allow him to be traded and if Minnesota even comes in for him, for a player that they could let go for nothing in the off-season.
Vrabel doesn’t have to make that choice unless Minnesota come calling, but if they do, it could see Levis be given an opportunity to stake his claim on a starting role that could be his for years to come.
