Full Breakdown
Will Levis Becomes Unclaimed Free Agent After Titans Release
9/1/2026, 2:08:10 AM
Core Event: Titans Release Quarterback Will Levis
In late August 2026, the Tennessee Titans cut former second-round pick Will Levis. The move cleared through the league’s waiver system with no claim from the other 31 clubs, making Levis an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any team’s active roster or practice squad.
Background & Context
Levis was selected 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Kentucky and started 21 games for Tennessee in 2023-24, posting a 5-16 record. The Titans drafted quarterback Cam Ward No. 1 overall in 2025, pushing Levis down the depth chart. A shoulder surgery sidelined him for the 2025 season, after which veteran Mitchell Trubisky became the primary backup. By the 2026 preseason, Levis was listed as the third-string quarterback behind Ward and Trubisky.
Data & Statistics
- Career passing: 3,899 yards, 21 TDs, 16 INTs (61 % completion) – Field Level Media/NBC Sports.
- Turnovers: 26 total (16 INTs, 10 fumbles) – NBC Sports.
- Starter record: 5-16 – The Tennessean.
- 2024 preseason: 21-for-39, 200 yards, no TDs, no INTs, four sacks – The Tennessean.
- Cap impact: Release saves roughly $750,000 in salary-cap space – Newsweek.
Official Statements & Responses
Levis posted a brief note on social media in August 2026. The Titans’ roster move appeared in the league’s transaction wire, confirming his waiver clearance – NBC Sports. No comment from Titans management was provided.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Quarterbacks waived: Field Level Media said 19 QBs were waived that weekend; CBS Sports highlighted Levis among 12 “surprise” cuts without a total count.
- Waiver order: Field Level Media identified the Las Vegas Raiders as holding the top waiver position; other outlets omitted this detail.
- Future interest: Analysts noted possible destinations, but no team has confirmed a claim or signing.
Potential Landing Spots
Analysts identified several teams where Levis could compete for a backup role:
- New York Jets: Veteran backup needed behind Geno Smith and rookie Cade Klubnik.
- New England Patriots: Coach Mike Vrabel drafted Levis in Tennessee; the Patriots already carry three QBs.
- Green Bay Packers: After trading Kyle McCord, only Jordan Love and Tyrod Taylor remain.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Could serve as a veteran third-string or practice-squad depth behind Baker Mayfield and Jalon Daniels.
- Buffalo Bills: May add Levis for developmental purposes behind Josh Allen and Kyle Allen.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Former Kentucky coach Liam Coen now leads the Jaguars, offering a familiar connection.
Other teams (e.g., Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins) have already addressed their quarterback needs.
What’s Next
Levis is expected to pursue practice-squad or backup opportunities during the upcoming roster-adjustment period. The Titans will continue shaping their quarterback room around Cam Ward and Mitchell Trubisky as the league heads toward its September 13 season opener. All 32 clubs remain free to negotiate with Levis until the regular season begins, at which point any new contract will be subject to roster-size limits.
