Titans' Vrabel labels Tannehill starting QB to begin offseason

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will lead the Tennessee Titans offense to begin the offseason, head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Friday, according to Bobby Kownack of NFL Network.

"(Tannehill) will be the starting quarterback on Monday," Vrabel said.

The Titans moved up in the draft's second round Friday to select Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, opening the door for competition this offseason with Malik Willis and Tannehill.

"(Willis) will be the backup. (Levis) will be the third quarterback. And what I've told them is whatever happens after that will be up to the players," Vrabel said. "That's what it's always been here. That's what we always want it to be."

This marks back-to-back years that Tennessee traded up on Day 2 of the draft to pick a signal-caller, making a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 to select Willis in the third round.

Willis struggled in his rookie campaign, going 1-2 in three starts and throwing for 276 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions.

Tannehill has started 55 games over four seasons with the Titans, leading them to the playoffs in three consecutive campaigns before the streak ended last year. He missed five games in 2023 due to an ankle injury and turns 35 in July. Tannehill is entering the final year of his contract and will account for a $36-million cap hit, according to Over The Cap.

"Our job is to bring in competition at every position," Vrabel said.

Levis was a projected first-round pick and has all the physical tools to develop into a franchise quarterback. The 23-year-old recorded 5,232 passing yards and 43 touchdowns in two seasons as the starter at Kentucky.