NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Sam Darnold's on his way to free agency and is the most attractive available quarterback on the market, by a lot.
But the quarterback-needy Titans aren't going to be chasing him so long as it takes the sort of big-money, long-term deal he's almost certain to get.
The Titans have only Will Levis on their roster at the position and hold the No. 1 pick, in position to draft Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
The rest of the quarterback class doesn't appear to provide much.
Other veteran options that looked like they would hit the market or move have dried up.
Derek Carr is staying in New Orleans. Atlanta has said Kirk Cousins will be a high-priced backup to Michael Penix, though that could still change. Matthew Stafford, who seemed like a trade possibility, re-signed with the Rams. The Titans also don't appear interested in Aaron Rodgers.
I believe the Titans, if they pass on Ward and Sanders -- who seems less attractive to them -- are prepared for a worst-case scenario where they sign a stop-gap player like Mac Jones or Jameis Winston at quarterback and go with him and Levis for 2025.
In that scenario, they'd be spending draft capital and financial resources on a long list of other needs, topped by edge rusher, right tackle and guard and receiver that also includes safety, tight end and inside linebacker.
Darnold was terrific for the Vikings in 2024 with 4,561 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 102.5 passer rating.
But in his seven seasons before that, his 17-game averages were 11 TDs, nine picks, six fumbles and a 78.3 rating.
