Buffalo, NY – May 1, 2025
The Buffalo Bills bolstered their quarterback depth, acquiring Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis via trade for a 2026 fifth-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The $9.5 million rookie deal holder will compete to back up Josh Allen, giving Brandon Beane a high-upside option behind the NFL’s reigning MVP.
Levis, 25, struggled in 2024, posting six touchdowns and nine interceptions in nine starts before being benched. With James Cook’s $15 million contract dispute lingering, Beane seized the chance to add Levis, whose arm talent and mobility shone in 2023 (1,808 yards, 8 TDs), to challenge incumbent backup Mitch Trubisky.
“Levis brings raw potential,” Beane told The Buffalo News’ Ryan O’Halloran. “He’ll grow behind Allen’s leadership.”
Drafted 33rd overall in 2023, Levis became expendable after the Titans selected Cam Ward first overall in 2025. His 3,901 career yards and 468 rushing yards offer versatility for Joe Brady’s RPO scheme, complementing Cook’s 1,086 rushing yards. Levis could surpass Trubisky and Shane Buechele for the QB2 role.
“It’s a savvy move,” said NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. “Levis could be Allen’s long-term insurance.”
With a $5.3 million cap, bolstered by $7.3 million from cuts like Dane Jackson, the Bills view Levis’s two-year, $5 million remaining contract as a low-risk, high-reward bet. If Allen, with 4,306 passing yards in 2024, stays healthy, Levis can develop under Brady, potentially securing Buffalo’s 2025 Super Bowl bid.
