Robert Salah isn’t writing off Will Levis just yet.
The first-year Titans head coach spoke to reporters at Tuesday’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he touched briefly on what he’s looking for in a backup quarterback behind Cam Ward.
Naturally, he was asked for his early impression of Levis, the 2023 second-round pick and former Tennessee starter, who’s coming off a lost season due to shoulder surgery.
Saleh, 47, recalled his lone previous encounter with Levis — him throwing for 192 yards, one touchdown, and an interception against Saleh’s New York Jets in 2024 — and expressed his excitement in having him on the roster.
“I do think he’s got tremendous talent, tremendous size, and tremendous arm strength. I’m looking forward to [having him on our team].”
Levis, 26, started 21 games for the Titans across 2023 and 2024, but he was quickly mired in trade speculation after the team secured the first overall pick and drafted Ward.
But he stayed put; shortly after the draft, Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi dispelled trade rumors by emphasizing the importance of “competition” in a quarterback room, something Levis certainly provides.”
That competition ended prematurely when Levis opted to undergo season-ending surgery last July, which fast-tracked Ward’s rise atop the depth chart.
One year later, his role even murkier than before, Levis had a “really good” conversation with his new head coach that helped reframe the uncertainty into an opportunity for redemption.
“Attack this offseason,” Saleh told reporters, echoing what he said to Levis. “Have the best offseason of your life and compete your butt off, and let’s see what happens.”
“I’m really looking forward to him being part of this football team.”
The Titans hired Saleh, the former Jets coach who returned to the 49ers as a defensive coordinator in 2025, following Tennessee’s second consecutive 3–14 campaign — which saw head coach Brian Callahan fired just six games into the year.
