As the Baltimore Ravens inch closer to the NFL roster cutdown, they will have the opportunity to claim players at key positions off waivers and improve their team. While they do not necessarily have room to make such moves due to their loaded roster, many of those released could also land on the team’s practice squad.
The Ravens have a need for contributors at a couple of positions. Offensive line and inside linebacker are the two prominent areas where the Ravens could need talent, and if they see a potential contributor land on waivers, they may quickly pounce on the opportunity and claim him. However, another position where they could use depth is quarterback.
The need for a third-string quarterback on the practice squad became increasingly clear throughout the preseason. While Cooper Rush found a rhythm in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders, the same cannot be said for second-year quarterback Devin Leary.
With Leary’s disappointing stretch of games, Baltimore could look elsewhere for their practice squad quarterback. That quarterback could be a recent Cleveland Browns cut, and former Ravens fan favorite Tyler Huntley.
Tyler Huntley’s release opens the door for a possible reunion
Huntley would not be a 53-man roster signing. There is simply no room for him, and some teams will likely want him on their active roster. If there is a lack of interest in the free agent market, though, Huntley could provide a stable depth option on the Ravens’ practice squad.
The former Utah Ute is coming off a strong preseason showing. In three games, Huntley completed 17 of 22 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. He was also unscathed in the turnover department.
During his tenure in Baltimore, Huntley made nine regular season starts, amassing a 3-6 record, and also started in the team’s 2022 Wild Card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. While his numbers have never jumped off the page, he would be a solid third-string quarterback and is miles better than the team’s current option in that role.
Leary has failed to catch up to the NFL level through two seasons. He was cut following last year’s preseason, and will undoubtedly meet the same fate again by Tuesday. However, unlike last year, he has not provided much reason to be granted a practice squad spot.
The 25-year-old was 25-for-45 on passing attempts through this year’s preseason action. He tallied just 167 passing yards and failed to find the end zone. To be fair to him, he looked more consistent against the Commanders, but still clearly lacks NFL-caliber arm talent.
The likelihood that Huntley could be available for the Ravens to add to their practice squad is slim, but if the opportunity presents itself, they should act quickly on it.