“We are not gonna name any starters here, though, right now in the offseason,” Titans GM Mike Borgonzi said. Well, isn’t that a big blow for first overall pick Cam Ward, who’s been making QB1 buzz without even joining the Titans? Now, we all know how Ward changed things around for Miami in college; he didn’t just give them a 10-3 run, but also made sure that he broke records. Remember his 3 TD passes in the Pop-Tarts Bowl? This guy shattered Division I-FBS and FCS records at 156 TDs, one more than Houston’s Case Keenum (2007-11). But in today’s NFL, accomplishments don’t hand out starting positions anymore. And the Giants GM’s truth bomb just cranked up the QB1 to eleven.

Look, we all know how last season went with Will Levis for the Titans. Remember their game against the Cincinnati Bengals? This guy threw 3 interceptions and lost a fumble. And Levis’ turnovers got him benched after that Bengal game for Mason Rudolph, and let’s be real, this second-year QB, who threw 12 interceptions to 13 TD passes last year, wasn’t a big help. But despite all that, GM Mike Borgonzi isn’t letting it become a one-man show. But why? Well, talking about his future plans for Cam Ward, he makes a firm confession on the Rick Eisen Show.

“I think we’re going to go in this thing, and we’re going to create competition here. We still have, you know, quarterbacks in the room with Will here, and our plan is really that he gets in here today with the rookies and just, you know, we’re going to take it step by step and see how he progresses,” said Borgonzi. A Heisman runner, a Jerry Rice Award winner, and a Davey O’Brien and Manning Award winner still need to prove their worth despite a thin QB room. But let’s be real: after a disastrous 3-14 season, the GM is not ready to take any chances this year.

However, it’s not like Borgonzi is doubting Cam Ward’s caliber; he just wants to be safe as he laid out his plan for HC Brian Callahan‘s signal caller. “I think it’s important. I think Brian has a great plan with his staff, and we’re going to take it through the offseason, OTAs, and into training camp and just see how he progresses. But, I think the first thing is he’s really going to pick up the playbook first and then start to build those relationships with the people in the locker room.” Getting familiar with the system is important, and Mike Borgonzi is making sure Ward gets every rep he needs to own it.

And even Cam Ward is seizing every opportunity to build relationships with his teammates by texting them on social media; he also tried contacting the Titans GM, and Mike confirmed it, saying, “He was actually texting me. He’s on it pretty quickly.” But it’s not like Cam Ward is going to be the first rookie to ever start in the NFL, right? Remember the Chicago Bears’ first overall pick, Caleb Williams? He also came with a lot of hype, winning the Heisman and setting single-season records in passing yards and TDs. And Chicago wasted no time in making him their QB1. Then why not Ward? And Rich Eisen didn’t sugarcoat this question to the Titans GM.

But Mike Borgonzi is firm in his stance that they aren’t rushing Cam Ward for the starting position. “Well, I think the expectation is there—you’re taking a quarterback number one overall—that he’s going to uplift your franchise and be that guy. But, you know, part of our job here too is to manage expectations as we go through the process here,” Borgonzi said. “But I think we really want to take the proper steps to make sure he’s ready to go out there and play, whether it be week one, or week two, or week three. If he hits the ground running here in training camp, he’ll be out there week one.” So, for now, the Titans are not calling dibs at Ward and also not letting Will Levis go out of the picture, or is there another layer to it?

Cam Ward’s QB1 dream might get a big push

Look, if Mike Borgonzi isn’t letting Will Levis’ hype fade, that means he sure has a plan for him. And even Rich Eisen didn’t waste a single moment to ask him what if Levis gets back his QB1 role. “Well, I think that competition brings out the best in everyone. So, I think Will’s a young quarterback that’s still developing. But, like I said, we’ve talked about this plan for a while with Brian and his staff, and we want to make sure Cam is prepared before he steps out there,” Mike said. So, that might be the case.

But here’s the kicker: the Saints quarterback situation is brewing again. They already have second-round rookie Tyler Shough and Derek Carr (assuming health), making them seem set at the position. But NFL speculation is relentless. Even with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener on the roster, rumors persist, particularly about Will Levis. While it seems unlikely, the talk continues.

USA Today’s Cory Woodroof fanned the flames, suggesting a trade for Levis. He wrote, “QB Will Levis to the New Orleans Saints. If the Saints really won’t have quarterback Derek Carr for the 2025 season, New Orleans will lean on a quarterback battle between 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough and former fifth rounder Spencer Rattler.” Woodroof projects that if Carr isn’t there in 2025, the Saints will rely on a competition between Shough and Rattler. Kellen Moore’s arrival as offensive coordinator adds another layer of intrigue.

Look, Saints’ acquisition of Will Levis presents both risks and rewards, notably his strong arm. “Honestly, New Orleans might as well throw another guy into the mix and see how it goes. Levis pairing with new Saints offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is intriguing, as it’d give the Saints another option at the most important position on the field.” commented analyst Woodroof. The pairing of Levis and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is intriguing, offering the Saints another option at the game’s most crucial position. Despite losing his starting job in Tennessee, Levis’ physical talent remains undeniable. Moore’s creative schemes could unlock Levis’ potential, something the Titans failed to achieve.

In return, Tennessee might seek Jake Haener, aiming to add a younger quarterback to their roster. “Levis might have his flaws and lost his Tennessee job for a reason, but Moore might be the guy to help Levis reach more of his ceiling. The Titans could add quarterback Jake Haener in return to contend for their backup job.” Woodroof observed. The Titans could receive Haener, who would compete for the backup role. Haener has shown promise but is currently outside New Orleans’ top two quarterback spots. If the Saints want a change, Haener makes a sensible trade piece.

Still, timing may kill this trade talk before it breathes. Will Levis has two years remaining on his $9.5 million rookie contract, but the Saints’ current roster doesn’t warrant this move…not yet. But Carr’s injury or Shough’s poor performance could quickly alter the situation. But for now, New Orleans is happy to remain on the sidelines of the quarterback situation.