The pros and cons of Ravens keeping 3 quarterbacks

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 09: Robert Griffin III #3 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 09: Robert Griffin III #3 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Baltimore Ravens
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 09: Robert Griffin III #3 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The Argument for cutting RGIII:

More from Ebony Bird

53 man rosters do not give NFL teams a lot of leeway. It may seem like a large number, but it means deserving players are going to be left out in almost any event. The argument for cutting Griffin III doesn’t have much to do with his performance. The standard practice in the NFL is to have two quarterbacks on the roster, saving one more slot for other positions.

The Ravens have several positions where they have tough decisions to make. Can the Ravens keep 7 wide receivers? Tim White may not make the roster if they don’t but he looks like the best kick returner on the roster. Pat Ricard is a nice two way player, but they can get by without a fullback and the defensive line would be fine without him. Vince Mayle is a good special teams player, so is Bam Bradley, but both players are at risk of being cut. There are tough calls all over this roster. Keeping three quarterbacks is a luxury the Ravens will have a hard time affording.

Jackson may not be ready but keeping another quarterback could rob him of valuable experience. What if Flacco has a concussion and the Ravens need a quarterback to finish a game? That would be huge experience for Jackson. Jackson may not be a finished product, but he has more potential than Griffin III does. Jackson can make flashy plays that could build his confidence. If Jackson gets in a game and it doesn’t go well, it doesn’t matter. Jackson will still have time to grow and develop behind the scenes, unless Flacco has a season ending injury. The roster spot is valuable. The chance for Jackson to be Flacco’s true understudy has worth as well.