As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for the 2024 NFL season, an emerging conversation has centered on a bold suggestion: the team should consider signing a $160 million backup quarterback to back up star signal-caller Lamar Jackson.
While Jackson remains one of the most dynamic and electrifying quarterbacks in the league, the question of his long-term health and the Ravens’ playoff aspirations has raised eyebrows. Jackson, who inked a record-breaking five-year, $260 million deal with Baltimore in 2023, has demonstrated brilliance on the field but has also faced a series of injuries over the past few seasons. His ability to stay healthy through a grueling 17-game schedule is a concern for some analysts and fans alike.
To address this issue, NFL experts are suggesting that the Ravens sign a high-caliber backup quarterback to ensure stability in case Jackson misses time due to injury. The most eye-catching proposal? A quarterback with a hefty $160 million price tag—the kind of investment usually reserved for starting quarterbacks, but one that could provide Baltimore with a fail-safe option should Jackson be sidelined.
“While Lamar Jackson is undeniably the cornerstone of this team, the Ravens have seen how quickly things can unravel without a proven backup,” said NFL analyst Mike Davis. “Bringing in a high-profile QB as insurance would not only add depth but also put pressure on Jackson to stay healthy, knowing there’s a capable backup on the roster who could step in and keep the offense running smoothly.”
Currently, Baltimore’s backup QB situation consists of Tyler Huntley, who has served as Jackson’s understudy for the past few seasons. Huntley showed flashes of promise during his appearances in 2021 and 2022 when Jackson was sidelined, but his performance has been inconsistent. While he’s demonstrated mobility and leadership, Huntley has yet to prove that he can lead the Ravens deep into the playoffs if Jackson were to miss extended time.
Enter the suggestion of a $160 million backup: a quarterback with the potential to start for many other NFL teams, but who would serve as a reliable, experienced second option for Baltimore. The Ravens could look at big names in free agency or through trade, such as veteran quarterbacks with solid track records like Kirk Cousins, Matt Ryan, or even a player like Jimmy Garoppolo, depending on their contract situations.
“Imagine having a QB like Garoppolo or Cousins as your backup,” said former NFL quarterback and analyst Tony Romo. “It would create a safety net for Lamar Jackson, who has proven to be prone to injury in recent seasons. At the same time, it would give the team confidence that they can continue to compete at a high level, no matter who’s under center.”
While signing a backup quarterback with a $160 million price tag would be a controversial decision, the Ravens’ front office might see it as a necessary investment in securing their Super Bowl hopes over the long haul. After all, Baltimore has a history of deep playoff runs, and with Jackson leading the charge, the team is always a contender—provided they can maintain a consistent, healthy roster.
However, this strategy comes with its own risks. The Ravens would likely have to restructure their cap space to afford a high-priced backup, potentially limiting their ability to sign other key players. Additionally, the decision to sign such a backup would likely stir up questions about the team’s faith in Lamar Jackson’s durability.
For now, the Ravens have a choice to make: stick with their current backup quarterback in Huntley or go big by securing a top-tier backup to safeguard their Super Bowl aspirations. Whether Baltimore decides to make such a bold move remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the pressure is on for the Ravens to ensure that their quarterback room is as strong as possible heading into the 2024 season.
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