Titans Strategic Maneuver: Transition from Will Levis to Sam Darnold
The Tennessee Titans, currently holding the prestigious No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are poised to make a significant change at the quarterback position. With the underperforming Will Levis as their sole quarterback under contract for 2025 and beyond, the Titans face a pressing need for an upgrade in this crucial role.
Potential Solutions: Draft or Free Agency
As the NFL Draft approaches, speculation abounds regarding the Titans’ probable course of action. While early mock drafts suggest the team might opt for a fresh quarterback talent like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, an intriguing alternative has emerged in the form of targeting an established veteran through free agency.
Lou Scataglia of NFL Spin Zone has stirred the waters by predicting that the Titans will secure the services of Sam Darnold from the Minnesota Vikings in a multi-year deal. Darnold, a projected $100 million acquisition, brings a wealth of experience and potential to the table, potentially offering a stabilizing force for the Titans in the short term.
Darnold’s Prospective Deal and Impact
Should the Titans indeed sign Darnold, it is anticipated that his contract could mirror that of Baker Mayfield’s recent extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, market dynamics suggest that Darnold’s deal might hover around $40 million per season in average annual value, a testament to his perceived value as a mid-tier starting quarterback in the league.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan is likely enticed by Darnold’s standout 2024 season, which culminated in his inaugural Pro Bowl selection. This, coupled with the Titans’ healthy cap position, positions the team favorably to pursue Darnold as a strategic move to enhance their quarterback depth and performance.
Strategic Implications and Draft Scenarios
The potential acquisition of Darnold opens up a myriad of possibilities for the Titans. They could leverage their top draft pick to engage in lucrative trade deals with quarterback-needy teams like the Giants, Browns, and Raiders, or opt to retain the pick and select a transformative talent such as Travis Hunter from Colorado.
It is evident that standing pat with Levis and a middling backup like Mason Rudolph would be a misstep for the Titans. Embracing change and investing in a proven talent like Darnold signals a bold step towards fortifying their quarterback arsenal and enhancing their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
