Will Levis waived as Titans trim roster to 53 on cut day
The Tennessee Titans waived quarterback Will Levis on Aug. 30, 2026, as the franchise trimmed its roster to 53 players before the NFL's 5 p.m. CT deadline. Levis, the 2023 second-round pick and former starter, had fallen to the No. 3 quarterback behind Cam Ward and Mitchell Trubisky after missing the 2025 season with shoulder surgery.
Cut day reshaped Nashville's depth chart and closed a turbulent chapter for Will Levis, whose tenure included a promising rookie stretch and a disappointing 2024 as the full-time starter. For fans tracking every move, our Streaming & TV Alerts hub covers NFL roster news as teams finalize their 53-man lists.
Key Takeaways
- Will Levis was waived as the Titans cut from 91 players down to 53 on Aug. 30, 2026.
- Cam Ward remains the starter with Mitchell Trubisky as the likely backup quarterback.
- Receiver Xavier Restrepo and K.J. Osborn are competing for the final wide receiver spot after Bryce Oliver was released.
- Surprise cut Malik Herring opened an edge rusher spot, while Cordell Volson and D'Ernest Johnson were also released.
- Levis will go through waivers and could be claimed or become a free agent.
Why did the Titans waive Will Levis?
Levis entered the 2026 preseason as Tennessee's third quarterback after the Titans drafted Cam Ward No. 1 overall in 2025. He missed the entire 2025 season recovering from right shoulder surgery, and Mitchell Trubisky's signing further squeezed his path to the No. 2 job.
Levis started the final preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 29, completing 14 of 22 passes for 143 yards before Hendon Hooker replaced him late. When asked about his future afterward, Levis told reporters, "I don't wanna predict or talk about things that haven't happened yet, so I don't know. We'll get there when we get there."
Tom Pelissero of Netflix and The Ringer first reported the waiver, and a source confirmed the move to The Tennessean. Levis now enters waivers and can be claimed starting at noon CT on Aug. 31 or clear and hit free agency.
Who else did Tennessee cut on roster cut day?
The Titans had to part with 21 players assuming no incoming waiver claims. Confirmed releases include wide receiver Bryce Oliver, defensive end Malik Herring, running back D'Ernest Johnson, and offensive lineman Cordell Volson.
Other reported cuts include linebackers Dyontae Johnson and Reid Carrico, cornerback Keydrain Calligan, and receiver Courtney Jackson. Herring's release stood out as a surprise after he had been a strong candidate for the fifth edge rusher role.
Per league rules, teams can begin building a 17-player practice squad one day after the cutdown. Players released Aug. 30 are subject to waivers, with the Titans holding the No. 4 claim priority through at least the first three weeks of the season.
Which Titans receivers are still fighting for a roster spot?
With Oliver gone, the battle for the sixth receiver spot comes down to Xavier Restrepo and K.J. Osborn. Restrepo, a former Miami Hurricane in his second Titans season, tied for the team lead with four catches for 26 yards across two preseason games and told ESPN he dropped about 10 pounds to get faster.
Calvin Ridley, Carnell Tate, Wan'Dale Robinson, Chimere Dike, and Elic Ayomanor appear locked into the top five receiver spots. Restrepo would be practice-squad eligible if he does not make the final 53.
What happens next for Levis and the Titans?
Tennessee opens the regular season Sept. 13 against the New York Jets with Ward under center and Trubisky expected as backup. Levis expressed gratitude to the organization after the Bears game, saying Miss Amy and the Nashville staff welcomed him and helped him grow during his time with the team.
Levis had been linked to trade talks throughout the offseason, and teams like the Miami Dolphins had quarterback room openings after roster moves elsewhere. Whether another club claims Levis or he signs elsewhere, his three-season Titans run is officially over after a 2024 line of 2,091 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions as the full-time starter.