Nashville, TN – June 4, 2025 — The Tennessee Titans have made a dramatic quarterback change that may speak louder than any official announcement about the future of former starter Will Levis. In a telling move, head coach Brian Callahan confirmed Wednesday that veteran Mason Rudolph will take over under center — a decision that may quietly signal the end of Levis’ run as the team’s long-term option at quarterback.
While Callahan didn’t directly say it, the writing is clearly on the wall.
The Decision to Bench Levis
After weeks of lackluster offensive performances and mounting frustration within the organization, Callahan took the podium to explain his decision. The Titans head coach didn’t mince words — or emotions — when addressing the quarterback switch, even going so far as to deliver an expletive-laced rant when pressed by a reporter about the decision-making process.
But when it came to Levis, Callahan remained calm and focused.
“This was my decision to make,” Callahan said, dismissing any notion that the locker room had pushed for a change. “It wasn’t an easy decision by any stretch… There hasn’t been enough consistency at this moment.”
Levis, who was once thought to be the quarterback of the future in Tennessee, has failed to meet expectations in his second NFL season. Plagued by poor protection, turnover issues, and inconsistent decision-making, he was unable to establish any rhythm in Callahan’s offense. Despite flashes of his raw talent, the results just weren’t there.
Rudolph In, Levis Out — For Good?
When asked about what Levis’ benching means going forward, Callahan offered a diplomatic — but telling — response.
“This is all about trying to go out and win this week,” he said.
He added that Mason Rudolph and Will Levis bring different strengths to the position, and at this stage, Rudolph gives the Titans the best chance to be competitive. It’s a sentiment that, while grounded in practicality, also casts significant doubt on Levis’ standing with the franchise.
And while Callahan acknowledged that Levis is “under contract” and “part of this team,” there was no sign of commitment to Levis’ future. No reassurance that this was a temporary benching. No indication that he would get another chance to reclaim the starting job.
The silence was louder than any words could be.
A Quiet Exit in Progress?
Will Levis’ journey with the Titans has been turbulent from the beginning. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft after a controversial slide out of the first, Levis was initially expected to sit behind veteran Ryan Tannehill. When he did take the field, his cannon arm and physical tools generated buzz, but his inconsistency and poor decision-making led to more questions than answers.
Now, just two seasons into his career, the Titans have not only benched him but also appear to be moving in a new direction without formally announcing it. The recent drafting of rookie quarterback Cam Ward in the first round, and now the elevation of Mason Rudolph, seem to confirm what many fans have suspected for weeks: Levis is no longer viewed as the future in Nashville.
What’s Next for Levis?
Unless an injury or total collapse from Rudolph forces Tennessee’s hand, it’s hard to see a path back to the starting role for Levis this season. And with a new general manager (Mike Borgonzi) and a head coach looking to prove himself amid hot seat rumors, the leash is short, and the patience even shorter.
Trade speculation is already beginning to swirl, especially as teams like the Rams and Raiders search for low-cost developmental quarterbacks. Levis is still just 25 years old and under contract through 2026 at a bargain salary — making him an intriguing reclamation project in the right system.
Bottom Line
Brian Callahan didn’t have to spell it out. By benching Will Levis and giving Mason Rudolph the reins, he effectively revealed the team’s future plans — and they likely don’t include Levis.
While the head coach maintained professional courtesy, his lack of endorsement for Levis moving forward was clear. This wasn’t just a move for Week 1. This was a statement about the direction of the franchise.
And it’s one Titans fans won’t soon forget.
