In a significant development for the National Football League, former Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis, a 2023 second-round draft pick, is now an unrestricted free agent. He is joined by a substantial group of experienced NFL players who were not claimed after the waiver process. This period of intense activity occurred as all 32 NFL teams finalized their initial 53-man rosters by Sunday night, leading to numerous adjustments on the waiver wire on Monday.
Levis' professional career with the Titans included 21 starts, where he completed 61% of his passes for 3,899 yards, secured 21 touchdowns, and accumulated 26 turnovers, including 16 interceptions. His record as a starting quarterback stood at 5-16. Last season, he spent time recovering from shoulder surgery, having been replaced by Cam Ward, the number one overall pick. Under NFL rules, players with less than four seasons of experience are subject to waivers, while those with four or more seasons are immediately released into free agency. The current waiver order follows the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the top position, having notably claimed defensive back Darrell Luter Jr.
The Miami Dolphins emerged as the most active team during this period, securing seven players via waiver claims. In their rebuilding phase, the Dolphins notably acquired tight end Justin Joly, a rookie drafted 152nd overall by the Denver Broncos. Levis' passage through waivers without being claimed by any of the other 31 NFL teams signifies his immediate status as an unrestricted free agent. The Titans also released former University of Tennessee and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker. The Dolphins continued to reshuffle their quarterback roster, claiming Brady Cook from the Jets following a trade that sent Quinn Ewers to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Additionally, Miami released two quarterbacks, Mark Gronowski and Cam Miller, who also went unclaimed. In total, 19 quarterbacks were waived on Sunday, highlighting the dynamic nature of roster management in the league.
The shifting landscape of player movement in professional football underscores the competitive and strategic elements of team building. Each decision regarding waivers and free agency is a calculated move aimed at strengthening rosters and fostering future success. These developments offer fresh opportunities for players to contribute to new teams and for franchises to optimize their talent pools, reflecting the continuous pursuit of excellence in the sport.
