The Cleveland Browns may receive a call from the Tennessee Titans following news that quarterback Will Levis will miss the upcoming season due to injury.
The Titans announced Monday that Levis, a 2023 second-round pick, will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. He initially suffered the injury early last season but attempted to play through it.
“We support his decision to focus on his long-term health,” the Titans said in a statement. “He approached the offseason with professionalism and showed clear growth as a leader. We remain confident in his full recovery.”
With Levis sidelined, Tennessee will move forward with rookie Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, as the projected starter. Behind Ward are journeymen Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle, raising questions about the team’s depth.
If the Titans explore the trade market for a proven veteran, the Browns could be a logical partner. Cleveland is holding a four-man quarterback competition in training camp that includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Joe Flacco Prime Trade Candidate if he Doesn’t Win Browns Job
Longtime Browns insider Tony Grossi of The Land on Demand and ESPN Cleveland weighed in on the trade talk, suggesting Flacco as the most likely trade candidate.
“It sure looks like Tennessee is in the market for a veteran QB after third-year passer Will Levis opted for season-ending shoulder surgery on Monday. No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward will be the Titans QB1. The other Tennessee QBs are Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle. The Titans would serve Ward well by adding a more experienced and accomplished veteran. Either Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett would be a quantum improvement over what they have,” Grossi said in his most recent Q&A column. “If I were the Titans, I would favor Flacco.”
Flacco signed a one-year deal to return to Cleveland this offseason and is firmly in the mix for the starting job. While the Browns have yet to release an official depth chart, the 40-year-old veteran holds an edge over Pickett thanks to his familiarity with the system. Flacco went 4-1 as a starter for Cleveland in 2023, passing for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Browns Open to Keeping All Their Quarterbacks
The Browns have become a focal point of trade speculation due to their crowded quarterback room. But the team has made it clear they’re open to carrying all four signal-callers on the 53-man roster to start the regular season.
“Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely… if they all play well enough,” Browns general manager Andre Berry said to Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports on the idea of keeping all their quarterbacks on the roster.
The Browns encountered a similar scenario last season. Deshaun Watson was the entrenched starter, while Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Tyler Huntley competed for the backup job. Cleveland initially kept all four quarterbacks on the roster while exploring trade options, but ultimately released Huntley prior to Week 1.
The Browns are set to gain more clarity on their quarterback situation as training camp ramps up this week. Cleveland will get its first live look at the competition on Aug. 8, when the team opens the preseason against the Carolina Panthers.
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