Is Cam Ward already the 2nd-best quarterback in the AFC South?

Posted by Admin July 13, 2026 NFL

The Tennessee Titans finished last place in the AFC South last season for the second consecutive campaign. It wasn’t particularly close. The 3-14 Titans trailed the third-place Indianapolis Colts (8-9) by five victories.

One thing that could change the Titans’ fortunes in the AFC South is the ascension of quarterback Cam Ward. If Ward establishes himself as a franchise quarterback and legitimate difference-maker, then the Titans should be vastly improved within the division. The question goes begging, where does Ward already rank in the AFC South?

Most Titans fans would agree the team’s QB situation is better than the Colts’, with Daniel Jones coming off an Achilles injury, and on a prove-it contract. C.J. Stroud is probably considered the best quarterback in the division, but he hasn’t met expectations after a perfect rookie season. Stroud’s 23 touchdown passes as a rookie in 2023 is still his career high.

And then there’s Trevor Lawrence. The former No. 1 overall quarterback has endured a whirlwind of a career. Lawrence struggled under the combative Urban Meyer as a rookie, but appeared to find his stride under Doug Pederson. There were more struggles (and injuries) in 2023 and 2024. Now, he had another great season under Liam Coen in 2025.

Most analysts would probably place both Stroud and Lawrence ahead of Ward in AFC South quarterback rankings. Neither the Texans or Jaguars quarterback have been perfect throughout their careers, however. There’s definitely wiggle room for Ward to surpass one (or both) of them in 2026.

Hopefully Ward takes the desired step forward in 2026 under Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll. The Titans have invested in his supporting cast, adding weapons like Carnell Tate, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Daniel Bellinger this offseason. Ward possesses every trait needed to establish himself as a top-two quarterback in the AFC South during the 2026 season.