Former Penn State Quarterback Emerges as Potential Trade Candidate for Pittsburgh Steelers
In the ever-turning quarterback carousel of the NFL, yet another intriguing name has entered the mix for the Pittsburgh Steelers: former Penn State and Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.
According to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, the Tennessee Titans are exploring options to move on from Levis after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Anderson reports that both Kirk Cousins and Will Levis have been mentioned in preliminary trade discussions or internal team conversations, signaling that the Titans are considering a fresh start at the quarterback position.
> “I was just told these two quarterback names came up in recent preliminary trade inquiries or internal discussions, per a league source: Kirk Cousins and Will Levis,” Anderson said. “The Titans would like to transition.”
Levis’s first full season as an NFL starter didn’t go according to plan. Battling an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, he was in and out of the lineup and even lost playing time to Mason Rudolph, who started several games down the stretch. In 12 starts, Levis posted a 2-10 record, throwing for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions—a stat line that reflects the inconsistency and struggles that plagued his season.
The Titans’ interest in moving on from Levis stems partially from the fact that he’s not a product of the current coaching and front office regime. That often spells trouble for young quarterbacks who haven’t solidified themselves as long-term solutions. With Tennessee reportedly interested in Miami quarterback Cam Ward in the 2025 NFL Draft, the writing may be on the wall for Levis.
A Possible Fit in Pittsburgh?
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the potential availability of Levis adds another name to a limited pool of quarterback options. Pittsburgh has reportedly been in pursuit of veteran star Aaron Rodgers, who would be a short-term solution at best. But with uncertainty around that pursuit, the team could turn its attention to more developmental or stopgap options—where Levis might fit in.
Levis, 25, remains a polarizing figure among NFL evaluators. His physical tools are undeniable—he has a big arm, prototypical size, and flashes of athleticism—but his accuracy and decision-making remain erratic. He fits the mold of a classic “gunslinger,” a high-risk, high-reward passer who can create both highlight-reel plays and head-scratching turnovers.
The Steelers are at a crossroads when it comes to the quarterback position. After moving on from Kenny Pickett, they need someone who can bridge the gap between now and the future, or potentially even develop into that future. Levis, for all his flaws, could be a low-cost gamble with upside if Tennessee is truly willing to part ways with him.
From Happy Valley to the NFL
Steelers fans may remember Levis from his time as a backup at Penn State, where he played behind Sean Clifford before transferring to Kentucky in 2021. It was in Lexington that Levis blossomed into a legitimate NFL prospect, showcasing his talent in a pro-style offense and impressing scouts with his toughness and arm strength.
While his NFL journey hasn’t started the way he or the Titans hoped, Levis still carries potential. A new environment, new coaching staff, and a system tailored to his strengths could help unlock the talent that made him a second-round pick in the 2023 draft.
What’s Next?
The Steelers’ next move will depend heavily on how the quarterback dominoes fall across the league. If they land Aaron Rodgers, Levis is off the table. But if that pursuit fails or Rodgers opts to retire or return to New York, the Steelers may take a closer look at other options like Levis.
Whether Levis is a reclamation project or simply needs a new opportunity remains to be seen. But for a Steelers team in search of stability and upside at the quarterback position, Will Levis could soon find himself wearing black and gold once again—this time, in Pittsburg.
