By MIKE HERNDON, columnist
The Colts benching of 2023 fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson set off an avalanche of discussion on Twitter and other platforms regarding how patient or impatient NFL teams should be with young quarterbacks. With the Titans currently in a similar—but not identical—spot as their division rival, I thought it would be worth diving into.
I think it’s clear that the Titans must turn back to Will Levis as soon as he’s healthy. Their situation differs from the one in Indy due primarily to teams' current positions in the standings. At 2-6 after a 20-17 overtime win over the Patriots, the Titans are not in the playoff hunt. The Colts made their decision at 4-4, in the thick of an AFC wild card race.
However, the quarterback patience discussion becomes very interesting in the context of what the Titans should do with the position after this season. There are essentially three options that will be available to Ran Carthon and company:
- Draft a new quarterback in the first round, consider trading Levis if possible.
- Sign a “good” veteran and go into the season with the veteran as the likely starter.
- Sign a backup-level veteran and go into the season with Levis as the likely starter.