Titans Roster Shuffle
Tennessee Titans waive quarterback Will Levis and reshape roster ahead of final cuts
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Will Levis received a $906,000 signing bonus at the start of training camp, with a $1.1 million salary guaranteed, factors contributing to the Titans’ decision to move on from him now rather than later.
2
Cordell Volson, who signed with Tennessee in March after leaving the Bengals, had started 48 of 50 games for Cincinnati and played in three playoff contests in 2022, underscoring the depth the Titans are reshaping after his 2025 injury.
3
Levis’ tenure with Tennessee included a 5-16 team record with him under center from 2023-24, highlighting the overall performance context behind his release as the Titans pivot to a new quarterback room.
4
Cam Ward remained the Titans’ presumed starter after being drafted first overall in 2025, with Mitch Trubisky and Hendon Hooker in reserve roles as Tennessee recalibrates its quarterback depth following injuries in 2025.
5
Dernest Johnson was released amid ongoing discussions tied to NFL substance-abuse policy; reports note the policy outlines a three-game suspension for a first offense involving alcohol, with DWI-related context surrounding his status.
The Tennessee Titans waived quarterback Will Levis on the eve of finalizing their 53-man roster, clearing the backup spot for veteran Mitch Trubisky behind starter Cam Ward, according to Larry Brown Sports. Levis, who started 21 games over 2023–24 before missing 2025 with a shoulder injury, carries about $3 million in dead-cap hit if claimed by another team. The move signals the Titans' pivot to a new quarterback room after Levis posted a 5–16 record as their starter.
Tennessee also released offensive lineman Cordell Volson and receiver Dernest Johnson in a broader reshaping of the roster. Volson, the 2022 Bengals fourth-round pick who started 48 of 50 games for Cincinnati, missed all of 2025 with an injury after signing with the Titans in March. Johnson faced release amid ongoing NFL substance-abuse policy discussions tied to DWI charges.
Levis Couldn't Beat Out Trubisky for Backup Role
Levis received a $906,000 signing bonus and $1.1 million guaranteed salary at training camp, making his waiver a costly but necessary move, per USA Today's Titans Wire. The Titans initially tried to trade him but found no suitors. With Cam Ward locked in as the starter, the team preferred Trubisky's veteran experience over Levis' injury-riddled year and unproven backup ability.
Levis was drafted 33rd overall in 2023 and replaced Ryan Tannehill in Mike Vrabel's final season. Over his two-year stint, he threw 31 touchdowns and 21 interceptions while the team went 5–16 with him under center.
Volson's Injury Ends Brief Tennessee Tenure
Cordell Volson signed with Tennessee in March after six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he became a reliable offensive line starter. He played in three playoff games during the Bengals' strong 2022 season and started 48 of his 50 games in Cincinnati, demonstrating proven depth the Titans hoped to add.
A 2025 injury derailed his Tennessee experiment before it started. Missing the entire season, Volson was released during the August roster shuffle. The Titans are betting on other linemen to fill the gap left by his absence and injury history.
Johnson Released Over Substance-Policy Concerns
Receiver Dernest Johnson faced release amid ongoing discussions tied to NFL substance-abuse policy, with DWI-related charges at the center of his status. Under the policy, a first offense involving alcohol typically carries a three-game suspension, creating uncertainty about Johnson's availability and the Titans' confidence in resolving his situation.
Ward Backed by Trubisky and Hendon Hooker
Cam Ward, the Titans' first-overall pick in 2025, remains the clear starter heading into 2026. Mitch Trubisky and Hendon Hooker now form the backup depth chart, giving Tennessee experienced veterans behind its young franchise cornerstone. The Trubisky signing and Levis waiver complete a thorough quarterback room reset after injuries plagued the previous depth.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
11
Articles
9
Reach
20
A
AnonymousAuthor
