Vikings Emerge as Top Contenders to Acquire Titans QB Will Levis Amid Uncertainty Behind J.J. McCarthy
April 13, 2025 — By Sporting News Contributor
In a move that could reshape the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback depth chart heading into the 2025 NFL season, reports are surfacing that the team is a “strong candidate” to trade for Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis. The idea, initially floated by AtoZ Sports’ Easton Freeze, has quickly gained traction among NFL insiders and fans alike as speculation heats up just weeks before the preseason.
With the Vikings fully committing to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as their presumed starter, the franchise now turns its attention to bolstering the quarterback room. After a 14-3 campaign in 2024, expectations in Minnesota are sky-high. However, with only journeyman Brett Rypien currently slotted as McCarthy’s backup, questions loom large about the team’s ability to stay competitive should McCarthy falter or get injured.
Why Will Levis Makes Sense for Minnesota
Freeze suggests that Levis, who showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign but regressed in 2024, could be the perfect developmental insurance policy behind McCarthy.
“I’m including the Vikings in the Strong Candidates tier because… everything about this landing spot makes sense besides 2025 available picks: the coach and scheme, their QB culture, their desire for more than what they currently have on the roster. It’s a very good fit,” Freeze noted.
The Titans, now sitting on the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are widely expected to draft Miami quarterback Cam Ward, signaling that Levis’ days in Nashville are likely numbered. Once considered the future of the franchise, Levis has seen his stock drop sharply following a disappointing 2024 season marked by costly turnovers, inconsistent play, and questionable decision-making.
Yet, his arm strength, mobility, and physical upside remain appealing, especially to a team like Minnesota, which could take its time to develop him behind the scenes without the immediate pressure to start.
Kevin O’Connell’s Quarterback Magic
The Vikings’ interest in Levis becomes even more intriguing when factoring in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s recent success with quarterback reclamation projects. The most notable example came in 2024 when O’Connell helped revive Sam Darnold’s career, leading him to some of the best performances of his NFL journey.
If anyone can help Levis rediscover his rookie-year promise, it’s O’Connell. With a creative offensive scheme and a track record of putting quarterbacks in positions to succeed, Minnesota offers Levis something he lacked in Tennessee: structure, stability, and support.
Additionally, the Vikings boast a stronger supporting cast, including Pro Bowl-caliber talent on the offensive line, a versatile backfield, and elite receiving options led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. That environment could do wonders for Levis, who often looked overwhelmed in a Titans offense that struggled with protection and a lack of dynamic playmakers.
Risk Management: Why the Vikings Need a Solid Plan B
While McCarthy is the future in Minnesota, he remains an unknown quantity at the NFL level. The Michigan product did not see the field during his rookie season, and even the most optimistic projections cannot guarantee that he’ll immediately transition into a high-performing starter.
This creates a high-risk, high-reward situation for the Vikings. With a roster talented enough to contend for a Super Bowl, the margin for error at the quarterback position is razor-thin.
Adding a former second-round pick like Levis — who would cost the Vikings nothing more than a late Day 3 selection — offers a low-risk, potentially high-reward insurance policy. If McCarthy flourishes, Levis becomes a valuable backup or trade chip. If McCarthy falters, Levis gets a second chance to prove he belongs in the league, this time with a more conducive setting for growth.
Salary and Trade Considerations
Levis is on a rookie contract with a manageable $9 million cap hit, making him financially viable for the Vikings, who have been careful with their spending while remaining competitive. With the Titans clearly moving on and the price tag relatively low, the deal makes sense for both franchises.
Minnesota is somewhat limited in terms of 2025 draft capital, which complicates matters. However, if Levis is still available in May or even into the preseason, the Vikings could potentially structure a conditional pick or future compensation package that makes the acquisition more palatable.
Potential Obstacles to the Deal
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. The Vikings are not the only team in the league with questions at the backup quarterback spot, and the Titans may prefer to shop Levis to a team that can offer better draft compensation. Moreover, Minnesota’s limited assets in 2025 could force them to get creative or patient — something that could work to their benefit if other suitors bow out.
Another concern is whether Levis is mentally ready to take on a backup role after entering the league as a potential franchise quarterback. His attitude, professionalism, and willingness to embrace a developmental opportunity could be key factors in determining whether Minnesota actually pulls the trigger.
Public and Expert Reaction
Fan reaction to the rumors has been cautiously optimistic. Vikings supporters are aware of the risk that comes with relying solely on McCarthy and Rypien. The idea of adding a young, physically gifted quarterback like Levis — one with starting experience — is appealing to a fanbase that has seen its fair share of quarterback instability in recent years.
NFL analysts also see the potential fit.
“It’s a classic move by a team that’s building for long-term success while keeping the short term in mind,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “You’re protecting your investment in McCarthy while also giving yourself a viable alternative if things go south.”
Conclusion: A Logical Next Step for Minnesota
In a league where quarterback depth can be the difference between a playoff run and a lost season, the Minnesota Vikings are wisely exploring all available options. With J.J. McCarthy entering a critical developmental stage, surrounding him with experience and potential — rather than just placeholders — could prove to be a masterstroke by GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell.
Will Levis may not be the long-term solution in Minnesota, but he could be an essential part of the team’s short- and medium-term success. As the Titans prepare to usher in a new era with Cam Ward, Levis’ departure seems inevitable — and the Vikings may very well be the perfect landing spot.
One thing’s for sure: the NFL quarterback carousel never stops spinning, and Minnesota seems ready to make its next move.
