In NFL free agency, will the Tennessee Titans add a quarterback? Keeping tabs on who’s free this offseason.

As the NFL enters another offseason, teams around the league are evaluating their rosters, determining which players to retain, and exploring potential free agent acquisitions to strengthen their squads. For the Tennessee Titans, one of the key questions heading into the 2025 offseason is whether they will look to add a quarterback through free agency. This is a critical decision for the Titans, as the quarterback position is often the most influential on a team’s overall success.

The Titans have been in search of a long-term answer at quarterback for several seasons. They have had moments of success under Ryan Tannehill, including making a playoff run to the AFC Championship game in 2019, but they’ve also struggled to find consistency at the position. With Tannehill’s contract and future with the team in question, this offseason could be the perfect opportunity for the Titans to explore free agency in search of a new quarterback.

In this article, we’ll break down the Titans’ current quarterback situation, analyze the free-agent quarterback market, and examine the possible quarterbacks the Titans could target. Additionally, we’ll consider the broader implications of adding a new quarterback for the team’s future.

The Titans’ Current Quarterback Situation

The Tennessee Titans’ quarterback situation is one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 offseason. Over the past few seasons, Ryan Tannehill has been the team’s starting quarterback, leading the Titans to the playoffs on multiple occasions. However, Tannehill’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency and the inability to take the team to the next level, despite his ability to win regular-season games.

Ryan Tannehill’s Performance and Contract Situation

Ryan Tannehill joined the Titans in 2019 and immediately revitalized his career. After taking over for an injured Marcus Mariota, Tannehill led the Titans to a 7-3 record to finish the season, ultimately propelling the team to the AFC Championship game. In his first full season as the starting quarterback in 2020, Tannehill had a career year, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 33 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection.

However, in recent seasons, Tannehill’s performance has been more inconsistent. Injuries have played a significant role in limiting his ability to play at an elite level. Tannehill was hindered by ankle injuries in 2021, which significantly impacted his performance, and in 2022, he again dealt with injuries that forced him to miss several games. Although he remained a steady presence when healthy, the Titans struggled in the postseason, losing in disappointing fashion.

In 2023, the Titans faced further struggles at the quarterback position as Tannehill dealt with injuries again and wasn’t able to deliver the same level of play he once did. This raised questions about his future with the team, especially given his contract situation. Tannehill is entering the final year of his contract, and the Titans could opt to move on from him, especially if they see a better option in free agency or through the draft.

Tannehill’s current deal includes a significant cap hit, which could be a deterrent for the Titans if they want to pursue other quarterback options. Cutting Tannehill or trading him would free up valuable cap space, and the Titans could look to reallocate that money toward other positions of need. The uncertainty around Tannehill’s future leaves the door open for the Titans to explore free-agent quarterbacks this offseason.

Malik Willis: The Titans’ Potential Future?

Alongside Tannehill, the Titans also have Malik Willis, a young quarterback who was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Willis was viewed as a developmental project with immense athletic upside but still raw as a passer. In his rookie season, Willis appeared in a handful of games, showing flashes of his dynamic rushing ability but struggling as a passer. His accuracy and decision-making were areas that needed significant improvement.

The question surrounding Willis is whether he is ready to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Given the Titans’ struggles at quarterback in 2023, there is some pressure to determine whether Willis can develop into a long-term solution. The team will likely continue to give him opportunities to prove himself, but the addition of a veteran quarterback could serve as a safety net for Willis’ continued development.

The Titans are clearly still evaluating Willis’ potential, but with Tannehill’s future uncertain and Willis still in the developmental stage, adding a free-agent quarterback could offer the team the stability and competition they need moving forward.

The Free-Agent Quarterback Market: Who’s Available?

The 2025 NFL free-agent quarterback market is expected to feature a mix of veterans and younger quarterbacks looking for fresh starts. As with any free-agent class, some names stand out more than others. Here are some of the key quarterbacks who could be available and might be of interest to the Titans:

1. Derek Carr – Former Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback

One of the most notable quarterbacks potentially hitting free agency is Derek Carr. Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, has spent the majority of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was a steady, if not spectacular, presence. Over the years, Carr has put up impressive statistics, consistently passing for over 4,000 yards in a season and throwing for numerous touchdowns. However, despite his individual success, Carr and the Raiders have not been able to achieve sustained team success.

Carr’s leadership, experience, and ability to throw the football deep downfield make him a viable option for a team like the Titans, who are looking for a proven veteran quarterback. Carr would bring stability to the quarterback position, and while he may not be the long-term answer, he could be a bridge quarterback who could give the Titans an immediate upgrade at the position.

2. Jimmy Garoppolo – Former San Francisco 49ers Quarterback

Another potential option for the Titans is Jimmy Garoppolo, a quarterback with extensive starting experience who has proven he can win games. Garoppolo has had success with the San Francisco 49ers, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. His ability to manage games and execute in Kyle Shanahan’s system has earned him respect around the league. While Garoppolo is not necessarily an elite quarterback, he has been a solid starter and could offer the Titans consistency at the position.

Garoppolo’s injury history is a concern, but when healthy, he’s a capable quarterback who can guide a team to the playoffs. For the Titans, Garoppolo could be a viable option if they are looking for a quarterback who is more of a game manager but still has the experience to lead a team in key situations.

3. Baker Mayfield – Former Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers Quarterback

Baker Mayfield has had a turbulent career in the NFL, starting with high expectations as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. While he showed flashes of potential early in his career, Mayfield has been inconsistent and has struggled with turnovers. However, after bouncing around between the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and the Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield seems to have found a bit of a resurgence with the Rams in 2023. His strong finish to the season could lead to another opportunity as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

For the Titans, Mayfield could be an intriguing option. He has a strong arm and the ability to make plays, but his decision-making remains a question. If the Titans are willing to invest in a quarterback with upside who could push for a starting role, Mayfield could be an option worth considering.

4. Teddy Bridgewater – Former Miami Dolphins Quarterback

Teddy Bridgewater is another veteran quarterback who could be available in free agency. Bridgewater has had a journeyman career in the NFL, starting with the Minnesota Vikings and moving on to the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Miami Dolphins. He is known for being a steady, reliable backup and has been thrust into starting roles during injury crises with mixed results.

Bridgewater could serve as a stabilizing force for a team like the Titans, particularly if they want to add a reliable veteran presence behind Tannehill or Willis. He is not a high-ceiling quarterback, but his ability to manage a game and make accurate throws would provide the Titans with depth at the position.

5. Jameis Winston – Former New Orleans Saints Quarterback

Jameis Winston has had an up-and-down career in the NFL, showing flashes of brilliance but also struggling with turnovers. After a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he threw for over 5,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, Winston’s time with the New Orleans Saints has been limited, mostly as a backup. Winston’s ability to stretch the field and take risks down the field could make him an interesting option for a team like the Titans, who may be looking for a quarterback who is willing to push the ball downfield.

Winston could fit as a developmental quarterback who could either push Willis for the starting job or serve as a backup with the potential to start if necessary.

What Adding a Quarterback Means for the Titans

The decision to add a quarterback in free agency would have significant implications for the Tennessee Titans. With the uncertainty surrounding Ryan Tannehill’s future, bringing in a veteran quarterback could provide immediate stability to the team. It would also provide competition for Malik Willis, who still has plenty to prove.

A quarterback acquisition would likely dictate the team’s strategy in the draft and free agency at other positions. For example, if the Titans bring in a high-profile quarterback like Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo, they may decide to build the roster around that veteran signal-caller, focusing on other needs, such as the offensive line, pass-catching weapons, and defensive playmakers. On the other hand, if the team opts for a backup or a developmental quarterback, they may look to the draft for their long-term answer.