Mike Borgonzi, general manager of the Titans: Will Levis Has “Lot of Value” as Competition Starts at QB Position

The Tennessee Titans are entering a critical phase in their franchise’s rebuilding process. The 2025 NFL season holds much anticipation for the team as they search for their quarterback of the future. One of the most important decisions surrounding this quest is how the Titans will handle the quarterback competition between their young signal-caller, Will Levis, and veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Mike Borgonzi, the general manager of the Titans, recently discussed his thoughts on Levis and why he believes the rookie quarterback has “a lot of value” as the competition for the starting job heats up.

Borgonzi, who has been with the Titans since 2021 and has played a significant role in shaping the team’s roster, spoke candidly about the challenges and expectations surrounding Levis as the team prepares for a crucial year. In this article, we’ll explore why Borgonzi has such confidence in Levis, what makes him a valuable asset for the Titans, and how this quarterback battle could play out in the 2025 season.

The Titans’ Quest for a Quarterback of the Future

Over the past few seasons, the Tennessee Titans have struggled with finding long-term stability at the quarterback position. Ryan Tannehill, while a capable and experienced leader, is now entering the twilight of his career. Despite leading the Titans to playoff appearances and even a deep run in the 2019 season, Tannehill’s inconsistency in recent years has made it clear that the team needed to start looking toward the future.

With the 2025 NFL Draft, the Titans made a bold move by selecting Will Levis, a quarterback with tremendous physical tools and immense potential. Levis, a former standout at Kentucky, came into the draft with high expectations as one of the top quarterbacks available. His big arm, athleticism, and leadership abilities made him an intriguing prospect for the Titans, who needed a quarterback who could take them into the next era.

However, the Titans’ decision to draft Levis was not a guarantee that he would immediately step into the starting role. With Tannehill still on the roster, the team would have to evaluate how to balance the development of their young quarterback while giving Tannehill the opportunity to prove he could still lead the team to victories.

The quarterback position is one of the most important on the field, and for the Titans, it’s a pivotal moment in their franchise history. The decision to start Levis, or stick with Tannehill for another year, could have long-lasting effects on the direction of the team. That’s where Borgonzi’s vision comes into play.

Mike Borgonzi’s Confidence in Will Levis

Mike Borgonzi, the Titans’ general manager, has long been a believer in Will Levis’ potential. When asked about the rookie quarterback, Borgonzi emphasized the value that Levis brings to the team—not only in terms of his physical tools but also his mental makeup and work ethic.

“We believe Will has a lot of value to our team,” Borgonzi said in a recent interview. “When you draft a quarterback, you’re not just looking at the skills they have right now—you’re looking at the growth potential. Will’s arm strength, his ability to make all the throws, and his leadership qualities are things that stood out to us from the very beginning. But what really sets him apart is his mindset and the way he approaches the game.”

Levis has garnered attention for his ability to make throws that many quarterbacks struggle with, including deep passes down the field and tight-window throws. His arm strength is considered one of his greatest assets, and Borgonzi believes that this trait, paired with Levis’ athleticism, can make him a future star in the NFL.

“We’ve seen the tape, we’ve watched him work, and we’re excited about what Will can bring to this team. He’s got the physical tools to succeed, but it’s his mental toughness and approach to his craft that we believe will really help him unlock his full potential,” Borgonzi added.

What Makes Will Levis Valuable to the Titans

While it’s clear that Will Levis has an impressive skill set, what makes him especially valuable to the Titans is his combination of raw talent and development potential. The Titans have always been a team that values physicality and a strong, balanced offense, and Levis fits that mold.

1. Arm Strength and Deep Ball Ability

One of the most notable aspects of Levis’ game is his exceptional arm strength. Throughout his college career at Kentucky, Levis demonstrated the ability to throw the ball deep down the field with ease. In the NFL, having a quarterback who can stretch the field is invaluable, particularly in a division like the AFC South, where explosive plays can be a game-changer.

For Borgonzi, the potential for Levis to create big plays in the passing game was a key factor in his selection. “In today’s NFL, you need a quarterback who can make every throw, especially when it comes to the deep ball,” Borgonzi explained. “Will has the arm strength to challenge defenses vertically, which will open up a lot of opportunities for us in the passing game.”

2. Athleticism and Mobility

Levis also possesses great mobility for a quarterback of his size. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 230 pounds, Levis has the build of a traditional pocket passer, but he also has the ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs when needed. His ability to extend plays and move outside the pocket gives the Titans an added dimension to their offense.

The NFL is evolving, and having a quarterback who can move is becoming increasingly important. Borgonzi understands the value of Levis’ athleticism in today’s game. “It’s not just about having a quarterback who can stand in the pocket and make throws. Will’s ability to move around, escape pressure, and still keep his eyes downfield gives us an element that we think will be valuable,” Borgonzi said.

3. Leadership and Mental Toughness

Another crucial factor that Borgonzi highlighted was Levis’ leadership ability and mental toughness. Throughout his college career, Levis proved to be a leader both on and off the field. His work ethic, preparation, and poise in high-pressure situations are qualities that Borgonzi believes will help him succeed in the NFL.

“Will is a guy who takes accountability for his mistakes, learns from them, and grows. He has a strong presence in the locker room, and his teammates believe in him,” Borgonzi said. “Those intangible qualities are just as important as any physical skill. The NFL is a tough league, and having a quarterback who can handle adversity is critical.”

The Competition Between Will Levis and Ryan Tannehill

While the Titans are excited about the future with Will Levis, it’s important to remember that Ryan Tannehill is still very much in the picture for the 2025 season. Tannehill, the veteran quarterback who has been with the Titans since 2019, is still viewed as a capable starting quarterback. Despite some inconsistencies in recent years, Tannehill has shown the ability to lead the team to playoff appearances and has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches.

The quarterback competition in Tennessee will be one of the most closely watched battles of the offseason. As a rookie, Levis will have to prove himself capable of handling the starting role, while Tannehill will be fighting to keep his job and show that he still has what it takes to lead the Titans to success.

Borgonzi has expressed that this competition is healthy for the team and will ultimately help the Titans make the best decision for their future. “We want the best player to win the job,” Borgonzi said. “Ryan has done a great job for us, and he’s a proven leader. But we also know that the future of this franchise is important. This competition will push both guys to get better, and ultimately, we believe that it will elevate the play of our entire team.”

The Importance of the QB Decision for the Titans

The decision of who will start at quarterback for the Titans in 2025 is one of the most important decisions the franchise has made in years. If Levis proves to be ready for the challenge, he could quickly become the face of the franchise and lead the team into a new era of success. If Tannehill retains the job, the Titans can continue to build around their veteran leader while still preparing for the future.

Borgonzi’s faith in Levis speaks volumes about the team’s long-term vision. The Titans are betting on Levis’ growth and development, and they believe that he has the tools to become an elite quarterback in the NFL. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Tennessee to see who emerges as the team’s quarterback of the future.

Mike Borgonzi’s belief in Will Levis is a strong indicator of the Titans’ long-term plans. Levis, with his powerful arm, athleticism, and leadership abilities, has the potential to be the next great quarterback for Tennessee. The competition with Ryan Tannehill will be crucial in determining how soon Levis can take over, but Borgonzi’s confidence in him ensures that the rookie is being given every opportunity to succeed.

As the Titans enter the 2025 season, the quarterback position remains a focal point of their strategy. With a promising young quarterback in Will Levis and a veteran leader in Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee is poised to make a push for the future while staying competitive in the present. The decision at quarterback will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.