Titans impressed with Cam Ward, eye better trade haul

Watch some of Cam Ward's best throws at Miami's pro day as the quarterback looks to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL draft. (1:17)

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The cost of trading up to the first pick in next month's draft to select Cam Ward has increased after the Tennessee Titans saw the former Miami quarterback work out at his pro day Monday.

The Titans plan to hold an additional private workout and throwing session with Ward, whom the team has become increasingly impressed with, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday. Tennessee is still willing to listen to offers for the first pick, but it will now take an even stronger package for the Titans to move down, the sources told Schefter.

Ward had an impressive showing at Miami's pro day. At one point, he rolled out and completed a pass and then shared some words with Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi and president of football operations Chad Brinker after the play.

"[I told them] 'I'm solidifying it today,'" Ward said after the workout. "They finally got to see me throw in person. That should be all they need to see."

Ward's only season at Miami resulted in 4,313 passing yards, 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist set single-season school records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions (305) and completion percentage (67.2).

Ward didn't get many scholarship offers as a zero-star recruit out of West Columbia high school in Texas. He enrolled at Incarnate Word and threw for 6,908 yards and 71 touchdowns in just 19 games in 2020 and 2021. He transferred to Washington State before the 2022 season and spent two years there. Ward threw for 6,966 yards and 48 touchdowns with 16 interceptions in two seasons before he transferred to Miami.

The Titans are among the quarterback-needy teams after a frustrating first season under head coach Brian Callahan. Tennessee gave 2023 second-round pick Will Levis an opportunity to claim the future franchise quarterback role. Initial struggles and a shoulder injury eventually led to Levis getting benched in favor of veteran Mason Rudolph.

The Titans finished with a 3-14 record, landing them the first overall pick, and Rudolph has since signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Titans signed career backup quarterback Brandon Allen, giving them two quarterbacks under contract.

Ward has repeatedly said he isn't overly concerned with being the top pick. But he's excited about possibly playing for Callahan, who has a history of working with quarterbacks, including Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow.

"I think Coach Callahan's one of the best head coaches out there," Ward said. "The things he did with Joe Burrow when he first got into the league made him be real successful."

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