The Baltimore Ravens are fortunate to have Lamar Jackson leading their offense at quarterback but they made sure to sign a great insurance policy this offseason at the backup spot. Cooper Rush was inked to a two-year deal and now if Jackson has to miss time, the Ravens won't be up a creek without a paddle.
While Rush didn't play well in the Ravens' preseason opener against the Colts, there's little doubt that he'll be Jackson's backup in 2025. For one, he was signed to a two-year deal, which is a good indicator how the team feels about him being their QB2.
Another reason why Rush was always destined to be the Ravens' backup quarterback is that the only other signal-caller on the roster is Devin Leary. Baltimore selected Leary in the sixth round of last year's draft and maybe he's a potential backup option for the future but certainly not for the present. He spent his rookie year on the Ravens' practice squad and then was signed to a futures contract earlier this year.
Cooper Rush is clearly in position to win Ravens QB2 job
This was always the plan. Rush was signed to give the Ravens insurance should Jackson miss time, something he's managed to avoid the past two seasons. In 2021 and 2022, however, Jackson missed multiple games and the Ravens missed the postseason altogether in 2021 as a result.
While Tyler Huntley was a serviceable backup in 2022, he's no longer on the team. Rush gives the Ravens stability at the quarterback spot should Jackson have to miss time, as he has made 14 starts for the Cowboys over the past four years, including eight starts a year ago. If Jackson has to miss time, Rush will be up to the task of stepping in and leading the offense.
There isn't any sort of quarterback controversy in Baltimore and that's just the way John Harbaugh and the Ravens coaching staff want it to be. Jackson is the unquestioned starter, Rush is the unquestioned backup, and perhaps Leary can be someone the team leans on as a backup down the road. Sounds like a solid plan.