The Tennessee Titans desperately needed a solution at the quarterback position this offseason. They believe they have found it in Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who they selected with the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. He is expected to be a Week 1 starter, despite Will Levis competing for the starting role, but even so, ESPN analysts are predicting a modest season for the rookie signal-caller.
In the article, Ward is slated to throw for 3,392 yards and 20 touchdowns in 15 starts. The 2025 quarterback draft class isn’t one of the best we’ve seen in recent years, but there’s no question that Ward is at the top of the list and is the only quarterback in the class that is projected to start in Week 1. Tyler Shough of the New Orleans Saints has an opportunity with the retirement of Derek Carr, but he will have to earn it. Of Ward, Mike Clay says:
There are 27 QBs who appeared in at least 14 games as a rookie since 2011. Excluding Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson — who were used situationally as rushers — that group averaged 3,455 passing yards and 19 touchdown passes. In 15 starts, Ward is right on par with that historical average.
Their prediction might be on par with what historical averages are, but that does not mean that is what will happen in 2025. Ward’s biggest goal in 2025 isn’t to win more than three games, although Brian Callahan would like to keep his job so it would be helpful if they won more games, but his biggest goal is to learn how to lead the Titans’ franchise. If he is going to take over at quarterback, then his goal has to be broader than simply winning games.
Winning games is ultimately the goal, but the Titans should be ready to accept a losing season (provided they win more than three games) with a burst of development by Cam Ward. That on-field development means more to Ward’s career and the future of the Titans’ franchise than repeating what Jayden Daniels did with the Washington Commanders.
The Titans need stability at quarterback, and Ward can provide that. What he does beyond that will tell us what kind of quarterback and leader he’s going to be in the future.