The Tennessee Titans just made a move that has to be making fans wonder what in the heck is going on over there, because they decided to cut quarterback Hendon Hooker, a guy who had seemingly earned his spot on the 53-man roster. This isn’t just some random practice squad guy either; Hooker has made $3 million in his career and even had a solid preseason performance. Talk about a curveball right before the regular season kicks off.
From “Hopeful Future” to History
Before Hooker’s surprising release, the Titans made another big QB decision. They finally cut ties with Will Levis, a move that some felt was “overdue.” Levis, the No. 33 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was once “the hopeful future” for the franchise at quarterback, according to NFL.com’s Grant Gordon. But that time has clearly passed, and Levis is officially out of Nashville. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the news Sunday, and the team confirmed it. With Levis gone, it really looked like former Tennessee Volunteer Hendon Hooker was set to make the squad. SI’s Major Passons even wrote that Hooker “looked to have made” the roster, noting he “notably beat out” Levis for a spot in a crowded QB room. Seems like a clear path, right?
The Shocking Double Cut
Nope. That clear path was anything but. In a move that absolutely floored everyone, the Titans also decided to move on from Hendon Hooker, releasing two quarterbacks on the same crazy day. This decision was so out of left field that SI’s Caleb Sisk called it “a joke.” Think about it: a guy who appeared to beat out a former second-round pick and had a “solid preseason” suddenly unemployed. It makes you scratch your head big time. The Titans’ reasoning for moving in a “different direction” at quarterback, despite Hooker’s performance and $3 million career earnings, is definitely going to be talked about for a while.
Heading into the Unknown
Now, the Titans are in an “interesting position” heading into the regular season. They’ll likely try to snag Hooker back for their practice squad if he clears waivers, which is a big IF after a “solid preseason.” But having only one backup quarterback on the active roster is seriously risky. For a team led by first-year head coach Robert Saleh and boasting a young roster they hope will “mature as the season progresses,” this kind of uncertainty in the most critical position is a massive gamble. Titans fans have to be looking at their QB depth chart and wondering what the heck is coming next.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply