The NFL offseason is basically a fever dream of "what-ifs," but few scenarios have stuck around as stubbornly as a Titans Saints quarterback trade proposal. It’s the kind of rumor that makes sense on paper until you actually look at the depth charts in 2026.
Honestly, the quarterback carousels in Nashville and New Orleans have been chaotic. Just a year ago, the Saints were staring down a massive void when Derek Carr decided to hang up the cleats following a brutal shoulder injury. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans were pivoting hard, moving on from the Will Levis experiment to draft Cam Ward with the first overall pick in 2025.
But even with Ward established as "the guy" in Tennessee and Tyler Shough emerging as a legitimate starter in New Orleans, people are still talking about a trade. Why? Because the backup situations in both cities are, frankly, terrifying.
The Trade That Almost Was: Levis to the Big Easy
Back in the spring of 2025, the buzz was deafening. Bleacher Report and various league insiders floated a specific Titans Saints quarterback trade proposal that would have sent Will Levis to New Orleans for a fourth-round pick.
It made sense at the time.
- Tennessee had just secured the No. 1 pick and was all-in on Cam Ward.
- New Orleans was desperate after Carr’s retirement.
- Kellen Moore, the Saints' offensive coordinator, was thought to be the "QB whisperer" who could finally fix Levis’s turnover habit (remember those 18 turnovers in 2024? Yikes).
Instead of pulling the trigger, the Saints stayed patient. They used the 40th overall pick in 2025 on Tyler Shough, and honestly, that move saved their season. Shough came in, went 5-4 as a starter, and threw for over 2,200 yards in just nine games. He looked like a pro.
Why We’re Still Discussing a Titans Saints Quarterback Trade Proposal in 2026
You'd think the conversation would be over, right? Not quite.
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As we sit here in January 2026, the Tennessee Titans are facing a bit of a crisis. Cam Ward just finished a record-breaking rookie season—beating Ryan Tannehill’s franchise mark for interception percentage—but he also took 55 sacks and ended the year with a shoulder injury against the Jaguars.
The Titans' current GM, Mike Borgonzi, recently told reporters that Will Levis still has a "role" on this team in 2026. That is GM-speak for "we aren't giving him away for a bag of chips."
On the flip side, the Saints have Tyler Shough, but Spencer Rattler is reportedly looking for a starting opportunity elsewhere. If Rattler gets traded, the Saints are back to square one with their depth. That’s where the Titans Saints quarterback trade proposal re-enters the chat.
The Realistic Value
If a deal actually happened today, the price wouldn't be a high draft pick. You're looking at a late-round flyer. Levis is entering the final year of his rookie contract with a base salary of about $1.03 million. For New Orleans, that’s a cheap "reclamation project" backup. For Tennessee, it’s a way to clear the air and let Cam Ward lead without a former second-round pick breathing down his neck.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Deal
Fans often think trades are just about talent. They aren't. They're about the "cap" and the "room."
The Saints are notorious for salary cap gymnastics. Mickey Loomis has spent years manipulating numbers to keep the team competitive. Taking on a high-upside, low-cost contract like Levis fits the Saints' M.O. perfectly.
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However, there’s a catch. Brian Callahan, the Titans' head coach, has been vocally critical of Levis in the past. If the relationship is truly fractured, the Titans might just want him out of the building to avoid a "quarterback controversy" the second Cam Ward misses a throw in training camp.
The Tyler Shough Factor
We can't ignore how good Shough looked at the end of 2025. He put up 333 yards against these very Titans in Week 17. The Saints' locker room is behind him. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have both praised his poise. Any trade proposal bringing in a guy like Levis would strictly be for a backup role—and Levis might not be interested in that.
Breaking Down the Logistics: Prose Over Tables
If you look at the numbers from this past season, the contrast is wild. Cam Ward threw for 3,169 yards and only 7 interceptions. He’s the future. Levis, in his last healthy season (2024), had 13 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.
The Saints, meanwhile, saw Shough complete nearly 68% of his passes. He’s efficient. He’s cheap. He’s exactly what Kellen Moore wants in a system that relies on timing and accuracy.
So, does a trade actually help anyone?
Maybe. If the Titans can snag a 2026 fifth-round pick from New Orleans, they might take it. It adds to their "haul" as they try to rebuild the offensive line that allowed Ward to get hit 55 times. New Orleans gets a backup with a "cannon arm" who can fill in if Shough’s injury history (which was a concern in college) catches up to him.
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What Really Happens Next
Don't expect a blockbuster. The days of Derek Carr-level contracts in New Orleans are over for now. They are in the "Tyler Shough era," and it’s surprisingly bright.
The most likely outcome for any Titans Saints quarterback trade proposal is a draft-day swap. If the Saints decide to move Spencer Rattler for a mid-round pick, they could immediately flip a portion of that capital to Tennessee for Levis.
It’s a low-risk, medium-reward move for both sides.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
If you're following this saga, keep your eyes on two specific things:
- Spencer Rattler’s Trade Status: If Rattler is moved before the 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints will acquire a veteran or a high-upside backup. Levis is the names at the top of that list.
- Cam Ward’s Medical Reports: If Ward’s shoulder injury requires surgery, the Titans cannot afford to trade Levis. They’ll need him to start Week 1.
Check the injury reports coming out of Nashville in late February. That will tell you everything you need to know about whether the Titans are buyers, sellers, or just standing pat.
The "trade proposal" isn't just Twitter fodder; it's a reflection of two teams trying to find stability in the most volatile position in sports. Whether it happens or not depends entirely on a rookie's shoulder and a backup's ambition.
Actionable Insight: Monitor the NFL Compensatory Pick announcements in March; if the Titans feel they won't get a pick for Levis leaving in free agency in 2027, they'll be much more aggressive in trading him to the Saints now.