Look, the Tennessee Titans are in a weird spot. We’re sitting here in early 2026, and the "quarterback of the future" conversation feels like a broken record that won’t stop skipping. If you’ve been following this team, you know the vibe in Nashville isn’t exactly "Super Bowl or bust" right now—it’s more like "please just let the rookie stay upright."
The Tennessee Titans QB room underwent a massive facelift when they took Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in 2025. It was a move that basically signaled the end of the Will Levis era before it ever really got off the ground. But now that we’ve seen Ward’s first ten games, and with the 2026 draft looming, everyone’s asking if the Titans are actually fixed or if they’re just stuck in a different kind of purgatory.
Honestly? It's complicated.
The Cam Ward Reality Check
Let's be real about what we saw in 2025. Cam Ward didn't exactly walk on water. Through his first 10 games, the stat line was a bit of a rollercoaster: 1,954 passing yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. But the number that really makes you wince? Eight fumbles. Six of them lost.
He’s got the "it" factor, though. You see it when he escapes a collapsed pocket and finds Chimere Dike—the one real bright spot in the receiving corps—for a 40-yard gain. The arm talent is undeniable. But the technical flaws, especially that loose ball security, are enough to give any Titans fan a minor heart attack every Sunday.
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The team finished 2025 with a dismal 1-9 start that eventually led to them landing the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 draft. Some people think picking that high means they should look at a quarterback again. They’re wrong. You don’t bail on a No. 1 pick after one season, especially when the offensive line looked like a group of turnstiles for most of the year.
What Happened to Will Levis?
It’s easy to forget that just a year and a half ago, Will Levis was the guy. He had that legendary four-touchdown debut against Atlanta back in '23, and he had that grit that Nashville loves. But the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" business.
After a rocky 2024 season where he threw 12 interceptions and eventually got benched for Mason Rudolph, disaster struck. In July 2025, Levis had surgery on his throwing shoulder. He missed the entire 2025 season on Injured Reserve. Now, as we head into the 2026 offseason, he’s basically the forgotten man on the depth chart.
His contract is still there, but his path back to being the Tennessee Titans QB starter is essentially blocked by a wall of draft capital. It’s a tough break for a guy who once looked like the heir apparent to Ryan Tannehill.
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The 2026 Draft: To QB or Not to QB?
The Titans are currently slated to pick 4th. With the news that Oregon’s Dante Moore Jr. is heading back to school, the quarterback market in this draft just got a whole lot thinner. Fernando Mendoza from Indiana is likely going No. 1 to the Raiders.
If you're Mike Borgonzi—the Titans GM—you aren't looking at another signal caller. You’re looking for a bodyguard or a weapon. The consensus is that the Titans need a "true" No. 1 wide receiver or a pass rusher who can actually scare someone. Names like David Bailey from Texas Tech or Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson are the ones popping up in the Nashville rumor mill.
The biggest mistake this team could make is trying to "fix" the quarterback position by replacing Ward. You fix the quarterback by fixing the stuff around the quarterback.
- The Left Tackle Problem: JC Latham hasn't been the anchor they hoped for yet.
- The Center Void: Lloyd Cushenberry is likely a cap casualty after a disappointing run.
- The Weapons Gap: Outside of Dike and maybe Elic Ayomanor, who is Ward supposed to throw to?
The Coaching Carousel and the New System
The Titans are also looking for a new head coach to guide Ward’s development. There’s been a lot of smoke around John Harbaugh, which would be a massive swing for a team in transition. Whoever takes the job has one primary task: make life easier for the Tennessee Titans QB.
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Brian Callahan’s offense tried to be explosive, but it was often hampered by a league-leading 11-personnel usage (over 76%) that didn't really fit the personnel they had. We need more Gunnar Helm. We need more protection.
Actionable Steps for the Titans Offseason
If you’re a fan watching the moves this February and March, here is what actually needs to happen to make the QB situation tenable:
- Prioritize the "Bodyguard" over the "Sling": Use the No. 4 pick on the best offensive tackle available or a generational pass rusher. Do not reach for a QB2 who thinks he's a QB1.
- Sign a Veteran "Safety Net": Brandon Allen is fine, but they need a veteran backup who has actually won games recently. Someone who can mentor Ward on his footwork and ball security without being a threat to his job.
- Address the Fumbles: This is purely technical. Ward needs a dedicated QB coach who spends the entire training camp swatting at his arms. You can't win in the AFC South if you're giving the ball away once a game on a strip-sack.
- Draft a No. 1 Receiver: If Jordyn Tyson’s medicals clear, he’s the guy. If not, find a possession receiver who can win on 3rd-and-short.
The Tennessee Titans QB story for 2026 isn't about finding a new face. It’s about making sure the face they already have doesn't get ruined by a bad supporting cast. It's going to be a long spring in Nashville, but if they play their cards right at the draft, Cam Ward might actually show us why he was the first pick in the first place.