The Baltimore Ravens will be facing off against some familiar opponents during their divisional schedule this season. After the latest news surrounding quarterback Tyler Huntley, every AFC North opponent has now signed a former Ravens player in the first wave of free agency.
After Patrick Queen signed a big contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Geno Stone left for a starting role with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns were the only team not to pilfer from their divisional rival. That all changed when the Browns made yet another addition to a crowded quarterback room.
Baltimore's long-term backup is planning to join the Browns, leaving the Ravens with MVP Lamar Jackson, the ageless Josh Johnson, and former Patriots castoff Malik Cunningham as the only quarterbacks on the roster. Both of them are uninspiring options, making the need for a quality QB2 even more important for Baltimore.
The Browns are signing former Ravens QB Tyler Huntley, per @MaryKayCabot pic.twitter.com/GMFK16LD82
— PFF (@PFF) March 17, 2024
Baltimore Ravens must sign QB2 after Tyler Huntley joins Browns
The former Utah star led the Ravens to a 3-6 record in games he started over four years, throwing eight touchdowns against seven interceptions. Huntley, who famously made a Pro Bowl due to a voting technicality, also ran for 509 yards and three touchdowns during his stint with Baltimore.
This is an unusual signing for a Browns team that has a very crowded quarterback room. The oft-injured Deshaun Watson is the starting quarterback, with Huntley joining a high-end veteran backup in former No. 1 pick Jameis Winston and 2023 fifth-rounder Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Perhaps this move will preceed a DTR cut.
The market for free agent quarterbacks, especially those with mobility who can keep Baltimore's dynamic ground game afloat, is shrinking. While Ryan Tannehill has the most pedigree, he will be 36 in July and is coming of a poor season with the Titans. Names like Joshua Dobbs and Carson Wentz have been semi-regular performers in the NFL.
Huntley was about as rock-solid a young backup as one could hope for, as he didn't force a huge stylistic offensive change and was able to distribute the ball when needed. Losing him to a rival should motivate Eric DeCosta to use some of his resources on a trusted veteran behind Jackson.