Titans QB Ryan Tannehill Debunks Rumor That He Asked for Release After Benching

Tennessee veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is 80-69 as a starter in the NFL, is the back-up to rookie Will Levis for the remainder of the season.

Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill denied the rumors that he requested to be released after Tennessee named Will Levis the team’s starter earlier this month.

While speaking with reporters on Friday, the veteran signal-caller said he was shocked by the reports that were posted on social media.

“I was kind of caught off guard by those reports as well,” said Tannehill. “Obviously I have a desire to play, but I just don’t know what that looks like at this point.”

Ryan Tannehill has not asked for his release. #Titans pic.twitter.com/bf0ifWDKV4

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) November 17, 2023

Prior to last week’s showdown with the Buccaneers, Titans coach Mike Vrabel said Levis would be the team's starting quarterback “moving forward.”

“Let me just clear up some things here moving forward,” said Vrabel. “Will is going to be our quarterback. We are going to go with Will. We think that is the best opportunity for our football team right now.”

Tannehill, who has only played in six games this season due to an ankle injury, lost his starting role after going down against the Ravens. The rookie Levis, who shined in his debut—the club’s 28–23 Week 8 win over Atlanta—has struggled over the last two weeks, completing only 52.6% of passes while failing to throw a touchdown, resulting in consecutive defeats to the Steelers and Buccaneers.

If Tannehill were to hit the open market, the veteran would not remain unemployed long due to season-ending injuries to multiple quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson and Joe Burrow,