PERFORMANCENFL

Cam Ward isn't getting benched, but should Titans consider drafting a QB in 2027? History offers clues

The former No. 1 pick has struggled through 22 NFL starts. Here's what other first-round QBs tell us about his future, and why Tennessee faces a complicated decision in 2027 Cam Ward isn't going anywhere. After Sunday's 26-3 loss to Houston dropped the Titans to 0-5, Robert Saleh made it clear that benchingthe second-year quarterback isn't on the table. Tennessee remains committed to the former No. 1 overall pick, even as the offense continues to stumble its way through the season. As CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani explained Monday, benching Ward wouldn't solve Tennessee's many problems. It would only make it harder to determine whether he's the team's long-term answer. But there's a difference between believing in a young quarterback and seeing evidence he's getting better. Ward is 3-19 through 22 starts, and the numbers tell a story that goes well beyond wins and losses. So what does history tell us about how the future might look? And if Ward and the Titans can't right the ship, would the organization think about drafting a(nother) quarterback with a(nother) top pick? To find an answer, I looked at first-round QBs since 2000, comparing their first 22 NFL starts with their next 22. The results offer some hope, although there's a pretty big difference between improving and becoming the franchise quarterback Tennessee thought it drafted.

By Ryan WilsonOctober 13, 2026CBS Sports
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While Cam Ward isn't getting benched immediately, his erratic play is fueling legitimate questions about the Titans' long-term quarterback strategy. History suggests teams often look to draft replacements if they don't see immediate signs of sustained growth.

Read full story at CBS Sports

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Cam Ward

Cam Ward

NFL · Tennessee Titans

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