The 2024 season hasn’t gone the Tennessee Titans’ way, as Brian Callahan’s team is 2-7 and near the bottom of the AFC South. The team suffered its seventh loss of the campaign against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10 and has lost four of its last five games.
One of the biggest reasons for Tennessee’s struggles in 2024 has been terrible quarterback play. Will Levis has regressed after showing flashes during his rookie season, while Mason Rudolph is just a serviceable quarterback who isn’t capable of being a long-term starter.
The Titans will be in the market for quarterbacks this offseason, and while drafting a signal-caller in the 2025 NFL Draft seems like an obvious move, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler predicts general manager Ran Carthon will make a move for Minnesota Vikings veteran Sam Darnold.
“Let’s go with the Titans. I’ve identified at least six teams that either need a bridge quarterback or might soon consider the idea. The Titans are in the latter category,” Fowler wrote. Will Levis has the next eight games to show he can be the long-term answer at quarterback. Maybe he proves the Titans right. But if his penchant for interceptions returns, the Titans will need contingencies in 2025.
“Darnold is a proven commodity who would give Tennessee a starter option while it continues to develop Levis or selects a quarterback in the 2025 draft. So in this scenario, he would be coach Brian Callahan’s starter .”
Darnold has revived his shattered career in 2024, as the 2018 No. 3 overall pick has flourished in Kevin O’Connell’s offense and is playing the best football of his life. The former Jet threw 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 99.2 passer rating and led Minnesota to a 7-2 record in nine games.
Although Darnold has been exceptional, the Titans should avoid signing him to a lucrative deal in free agency. The 27-year-old still has a low ceiling and wouldn’t be the long-term answer for the job in Tennessee. It’s time for the franchise to use a premium draft pick on a young signal-caller and once again avoid the veteran quarterback route.
