Will Levis’ Rookie Contract with the Titans: A Strategic Investment for the Future
While Will Levis did sign a four-year contract with the Tennessee Titans, the deal is relatively modest by NFL quarterback standards. Totaling $9.5 million, with a $3.9 million signing bonus and $8.7 million guaranteed, the contract reflects the expectations and risks associated with a second-round draft pick rather than a first-round franchise quarterback. According to Spotrac, the deal is fully in line with the league’s rookie wage scale, offering both the Titans and Levis a mutually beneficial setup.
The Titans selected Levis with the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, a spot that comes with high expectations but also built-in limitations in terms of contract value compared to first-round selections. While Levis was projected by some analysts to go in the first round—possibly even in the top 10—he slipped into the second round, where the Titans traded up to select him. This slip had a direct impact on his rookie contract, resulting in a deal that is considerably smaller than those signed by quarterbacks taken earlier.
Despite the relatively low dollar figure, the Titans’ commitment to Levis is clear. The $8.7 million guaranteed component ensures that Levis has financial security, while also signaling the team’s intent to invest in his development. The $3.9 million signing bonus is a notable portion of the contract and provides Levis with immediate compensation as he begins his NFL journey.
From the Titans’ perspective, this contract structure is ideal. It gives them control over a promising young quarterback without the financial strain that often accompanies first-round selections. This flexibility allows the team to continue investing in other areas of the roster while monitoring Levis’ growth and readiness to potentially take over as the team’s long-term starter.
Levis’ path to the NFL was not without its challenges. After starting his college career at Penn State, he transferred to Kentucky, where he showcased his athleticism, arm strength, and leadership. Though inconsistent at times, his physical tools and competitive nature intrigued scouts. His draft-day slide may have been disappointing, but landing with the Titans presents a real opportunity to develop under a structured system.
The Titans have made no secret of their interest in building for the future at quarterback. With veteran Ryan Tannehill nearing the end of his contract and uncertainty surrounding his long-term role with the team, Levis represents a potential bridge to the next era of Titans football. While Malik Willis, another young quarterback on the roster, remains in the mix, Levis is widely considered to have a higher ceiling due to his arm strength, mobility, and experience in a pro-style offense.
Levis’ contract also includes a standard fifth-year option, which the Titans can choose to exercise if he performs well in the first few years. This option, though more commonly associated with first-round picks, offers the team added leverage in long-term planning. If Levis emerges as a viable starter or star, the Titans could retain him at a below-market rate before entering extension talks.
Financially, Levis’ deal places him in a position to prove his value without the added pressure of justifying a massive contract. For the Titans, it’s a calculated risk—low cost, high potential reward. If Levis succeeds, they’ll have a starting quarterback on a very team-friendly deal, freeing up cap space for other critical signings. If he doesn’t pan out, the financial hit is manageable.
In today’s NFL, where quarterback play often defines the success or failure of a franchise, finding quality starters on rookie deals is one of the most valuable assets a team can have. The Titans are hoping they’ve struck gold with Levis, and his contract gives them time to make that determination without mortgaging the future.
As Levis continues to adjust to the NFL game, he’ll benefit from learning behind a veteran like Tannehill and competing in a quarterback room that encourages development. Whether he takes the reins in Year One or later, the Titans’ investment in him, both financially and developmentally, suggests that they see him as a foundational piece of their future.
In sum, while the four-year, $9.5 million contract may not make headlines, it’s a critical building block in the Titans’ strategic planning. It represents a smart, low-risk gamble on a quarterback with significant upside—one that could pay huge dividends in seasons to come.
