The Baltimore Ravens recognized the need for a reliable backup behind Lamar Jackson, leading them to sign former Cowboys quarterback with $4.2 million in guaranteed money.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he agreed to a two-year, $12.2 million contract, with more than a third of the deal guaranteed.
It’s a significant investment for both top star and a Ravens team navigating salary cap challenges, underscoring how critical it is for Baltimore to have a solid QB2.
This move addresses a longstanding concern, especially as veteran Josh Johnson hits free agency and considering Jackson’s history of injuries. He brings recent starting experience and is expected to be ready to step in should the Ravens need him in a pinch.
Ravens Got a Quality Backup
The Ravens took a calculated risk by front-loading a deal for a 31-year-old quarterback with just 14 career starts—but it was a gamble they deemed worthwhile to secure a capable backup.
Rush has posted a respectable 9-5 record as a starter, per StatMuse, showing he can win games by playing within himself and leaning on the talent around him.
That measured approach makes him a perfect complement to Lamar Jackson. While Rush lacks Jackson’s explosive, game-breaking ability, he fits well within Todd Monken’s offensive system, sticking to structure and execution.
It helps that he’ll be surrounded by elite talent—Derrick Henry powering the ground game, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely rotating at tight end, and a five-time Pro Bowler leading the wide receiver group.
Baltimore has built a roster equipped to support any quarterback. Still, the team’s fate will ultimately ride on Jackson’s health. Rush’s presence is critical, as the Ravens have learned the hard way what happens when Jackson is sidelined without a dependable backup in place.
Lamar Jackson Absence Has Hurt the Ravens
As ESPN’s Jamison Hensley noted, “the Ravens haven’t needed to rely on their backup quarterbacks much in recent seasons; Jackson hasn’t missed a game due to injury since the end of 2022.”
While that’s accurate, the impact of Jackson’s absences in 2021 and 2022 still looms large. After starting 2021 at 8-4, Baltimore collapsed to 0-5 and missed the playoffs once Jackson went down with a lingering ankle injury.
The following year, a late-season knee sprain sidelined Jackson for six games. Though the Ravens still reached the playoffs behind solid play from Pro Bowl backup Tyler Huntley, they exited quickly with a first-round loss.
Huntley’s contributions that year highlighted just how crucial it is for the Ravens to have a reliable No. 2 option behind Jackson. So does their overall “4-10 record, including playoffs, when Jackson hasn’t started,” according to Hensley.
Viewed through that lens, general manager Eric DeCosta’s decision to give Rush a front-loaded contract makes sense. It addresses a previously underappreciated weakness on the depth chart—one that could have significant consequences if Jackson is forced to miss time again.