The Tennessee Titans’ plans for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft remain uncertain. While selecting a quarterback is an option, there is no clear indication that the franchise has made a final decision. At this point, the Titans may still be weighing their options. However, what is certain is that Will Levis is currently the only quarterback under contract, meaning Tennessee will need to add depth at the position through free agency or the draft.
One intriguing possibility emerged on Tuesday when the Minnesota Vikings declined to use their franchise tag on Sam Darnold. Unless the two sides agree to a new contract extension in the coming days, Darnold will officially become a free agent. Given the Titans’ need for a quarterback and their available cap space, Tennessee could be an ideal landing spot for the Pro Bowl signal-caller.
According to Dan Pizzuta of The 33rd Team, Darnold’s future may be in Nashville. Pizzuta projected every quarterback’s potential landing spot this offseason and predicted that Darnold will sign with the Titans.
“Darnold turns 28 years old in June and would give the Titans something at quarterback to build around,” Pizzuta wrote. “It would be expensive to sign Darnold, but having him for at least three years would allow Tennessee to move around money in order to fit the contract on the books.”
The Titans currently have over $50 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, meaning they have the financial flexibility to pursue Darnold while still bolstering the rest of the roster. A long-term deal with Darnold would allow Tennessee to stabilize the quarterback position while also giving them the option to trade down in the 2025 NFL Draft. By moving back in the draft order, the Titans could acquire additional draft picks to address other key areas, such as bolstering their defense or adding more offensive weapons.
Pizzuta also noted that signing Darnold would give Tennessee the opportunity to draft top prospects like defensive standout Carter or versatile offensive talent Hunter. With additional picks, the Titans could continue to infuse youth into the roster and build for the future.
While the franchise’s draft-day strategy remains unclear, Darnold could provide an immediate solution at quarterback, allowing the Titans to focus on other roster improvements. Whether Tennessee ultimately pursues a veteran quarterback in free agency or selects a rookie with the No. 1 pick remains to be seen, but Darnold’s availability adds another intriguing possibility to their offseason plans.
