June 2, 2025 — CBS Sports, Nashville/Detroit
With the Tennessee Titans making it clear that Cam Ward is their quarterback of the future after selecting him No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, attention is now turning to the status of former second-round pick Will Levis. While the Titans have not publicly committed to moving on from Levis, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin is connecting the dots between Tennessee and a potential trade partner: the Detroit Lions.
CBS Sports: Detroit a “Logical Landing Spot” for Levis
In a recent article, Benjamin outlined why the Titans might be inclined to trade Levis and why the Lions make sense as a potential destination. The key factors? Financial flexibility, a logical roster fit, and a front office in Detroit known for seeking value in cost-controlled players.
“Could coach Brian Callahan retain the big-armed youngster as Ward’s backup? Perhaps,” Benjamin wrote. “But the Titans could save $1.6 million by trading Levis after June 1, compared to only $600,000 before that date. The post-June 1 math favors a deal.”
In short, now is the most financially advantageous time for Tennessee to explore a trade.
Why Levis Is Now a Movable Asset
Levis was once viewed as a potential franchise quarterback in Tennessee. Drafted in the second round in 2023, he showed flashes of promise but also endured significant struggles as the Titans limped to a 3-14 finish in 2025. With a new front office and coaching staff now in place—and having invested heavily in Cam Ward—Levis finds himself the odd man out.
While Levis still holds developmental intrigue with his size, athleticism, and cannon arm, it’s clear the Titans’ long-term vision no longer includes him as a starter. Trading him now allows the Titans to recoup value and continue building around Ward.
Detroit’s QB Room: Solid, But Thin
The Lions, on the other hand, have a clear starter in Jared Goff, fresh off a contract extension and another playoff push. Behind Goff, though, depth is uncertain:
•Hendon Hooker remains a developmental project with upside, but he has yet to take a regular-season snap.
•Kyle Allen, the veteran journeyman, is on a short-term deal and is viewed more as a stopgap than a long-term No. 2.
Levis would enter Detroit’s quarterback room as a legitimate contender for the primary backup role, and possibly even a long-term insurance policy behind Goff.
Why Levis Fits Detroit’s Vision
General manager Brad Holmes has consistently prioritized players on rookie deals with upside and positional value—Levis checks both boxes. Here’s why Detroit could seriously consider the move:
•Cost Control: Levis still has two years remaining on his rookie contract, plus a potential fifth-year option. That’s extremely attractive for a team managing a growing salary cap burden.
•Scheme Fit: Detroit offensive coordinator John Morton, who took over for Ben Johnson, still utilizes many of the same vertical-passing concepts. Levis’ arm strength and aggressive downfield mentality would fit well in that system.
•Competitive Culture: The Lions have built a culture around competition and resilience—two qualities that align with Levis’ gritty, physical playing style.
Will the Titans Make a Move?
Tennessee has been quiet publicly about Levis’ future, possibly to maintain leverage in trade discussions. But internally, the shift toward Cam Ward is clear. Trading Levis would not only save cap space but also eliminate the awkwardness of having a former would-be franchise QB sitting behind a new rookie starter.
“The writing has been on the wall,” Benjamin emphasized. “Ward is the future, Levis is a movable asset, and the timing now makes sense.”
What Comes Next?
With post-June 1 now in effect, the Titans may begin fielding calls. The Lions, in need of dependable QB depth behind Goff, stand out as one of the most logical suitors. No trade appears imminent yet, but as training camps approach and roster battles heat up, don’t be surprised if Will Levis finds himself in Honolulu blue before the season kicks off.
