NASHVILLE — Will Levis couldn't be happier at seeing all the new teammates the Tennessee Titans have added this offseason, both through free agency and the NFL draft, as the quarterback prepares for his second pro season and his first as their starter from the beginning.
The Titans not only hired an offensive-minded head coach in Brian Callahan, general manager Ran Carthon signed veteran receiver Calvin Ridley in March and is in the process of adding someone Callahan knows well from five seasons together with the Cincinnati Bengals: receiver Tyler Boyd. Tennessee also used the seventh overall pick of the recent NFL draft on offensive lineman JC Latham, a player the Titans hope will be a significant upgrade and fix at left tackle.
"For one, it means that they're not afraid to make those investments and they want to go win, which is awesome to see," Levis said Thursday.
Levis said he can't wait for Boyd to officially join the Titans and get the whole group together to work on the offense, though he knows some of the guys in a crowded group of receivers might not be happy at first about a new addition.
Boyd seems poised to immediately join three-time All-Pro first-teamer DeAndre Hopkins and Ridley as Tennessee's third receiver, ahead of Treylon Burks, who was Tennessee's first-round pick in 2022, and Kyle Philips, a fifth-round pick that same draft. Injuries limited both receivers through their first two seasons.
Hopkins had 1,057 receiving yards this past season, but Ridley would have ranked second on the team with his 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdown catches — which he made while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, a rival to Tennessee in the AFC South Division. Boyd would have ranked second with 67 catches for 667 yards and two touchdowns.
Levis, the 33rd pick overall a year ago, said it's on him to instill confidence in his teammates. He sees the new additions helping improve the offense with competition pushing everyone to be better.
"It's going to be great for all of us and just great to have that environment of competitiveness, and everyone's going to get better because of it," Levis said.
Callahan said Levis has been working to learn everything his new coaches are teaching him, including technique and fundamentals. He likes how Levis has attacked this offseason.
"He's really gotten better in a short amount of time because of the way he approaches his job, and that's all you can ask for at this point of year," Callahan said.
Levis has been working with a new quarterbacks coach in Bo Hardegree, a Tennessee native. Levis said he has already texted Boyd, letting him know how eager he is to have the receiver as a resource in learning Callahan's offense. The quarterback already has watched video of Boyd making plays for the Bengals, and he has been throwing with Ridley enough to feel they can develop a special chemistry.
"He's been great," Levis said, "and looking forward to get TB here."
Levis went 3-6 once he replaced veteran Ryan Tannehill at the end of October. Hopkins had his first three touchdown catches for Tennessee on passes from Levis, who made a strong debut as the starter in a home win over the Atlanta Falcons. Levis finished the season 149-of-255 passing for 1,808 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.
"A veteran receiver who knows where he's going is the quarterback's best friend," new receivers coach Tyke Tolbert said.
Levis and Tennessee certainly can use the help. The Titans ranked 29th in the NFL last season by averaging a mere 180.4 passing yards per game. The Bengals, with Callahan as their offensive coordinator, ranked 15th with an average of 229.1 despite quarterback Joe Burrow being limited to 10 games by a season-ending wrist injury.
Asked to describe the Titans' new offense after years of being a run-oriented attack — four-time Pro Bowl back Derrick Henry moved on by signing as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens — Levis said it will be balanced. Callahan has made clear to the quarterback he will be throwing more, and Levis said he has to earn his coach's trust.
Said Levis: "That was cool to hear that."