In a surprising plot twist to cap off a tumultuous season, the Tennessee Titans are planning to evaluate both of their young quarterbacks – rookie Will Levis and veteran Mason Rudolph – in the team’s season finale against the Houston Texans on Sunday. The move comes as the Titans look to gain clarity on their future at the position after Levis, their prized first-round pick, failed to secure the starting job outright in his debut campaign.
Head coach Brian Callahan admitted Monday that the Titans’ back-to-back losses with Rudolph under center factored into the decision to give both signal-callers playing time in Week 18. “You want to make sure you have a full evaluation of the position,” Callahan explained. “We’re still really early in it, but I think both guys will have some opportunities.”
Levis’ Rookie Struggles
The Titans invested heavily in Levis, trading up to select him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the rookie’s transition to the pro game has been anything but smooth. Levis has struggled mightily with turnovers, tossing 12 interceptions (3rd-most in NFL) and coughing up 17 total turnovers (tied for 2nd) in his limited action.
The low point came in Week 15 when Levis was benched mid-game after throwing three interceptions in a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Callahan praised the young QB’s professionalism in the aftermath, but it was clear the Titans’ confidence in their supposed franchise quarterback had been shaken.
Rudolph’s Audition
With Levis faltering, the Titans turned to offseason acquisition Mason Rudolph to steady the ship. The former Steelers backup was serviceable in his two starts but ultimately couldn’t lead Tennessee to victory. Still, his veteran presence and history with Callahan from their time together in Pittsburgh made him a stabilizing presence down the stretch.
Now Rudolph, set to hit free agency this offseason, will get one final chance to prove his value to the Titans – and potentially other QB-needy teams. A strong showing against Houston could boost his stock as he aims to land a more prominent role in 2024, whether in Tennessee or elsewhere.
The Path Forward
Sunday’s game will have massive implications for the Titans’ future under center. If Levis shows signs of progress and potential, he’ll likely get another chance to develop into the franchise QB the team envisioned when drafting him. His rookie contract gives Tennessee flexibility, but patience is wearing thin.
Should Rudolph clearly outplay the first-round pick, though, the Titans will face some tough decisions. Cutting bait on a top draft choice after one season would be a bitter pill to swallow. But if the team believes Rudolph is the better option in 2024, they may have no choice but to admit their mistake and begin searching for Levis’ eventual replacement.
Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, this bizarre quarterback rotation is a fitting end to a frustrating season in Tennessee. With their future at the game’s most important position completely up in the air, the Titans’ bold move could provide some much-needed clarity – or plunge the franchise even deeper into uncertainty. All eyes will be on Nashville as this unpredictable situation plays out in real-time.
