The Baltimore Ravens are one of the few clubs that look to have their QB position solved. The Ravens didn’t even need to play their backup quarterbacks much in recent years; Jackson hasn’t missed a game because of injury since the end of the 2022 season. He not only showed up but also did what he was supposed to do. After bagging the MVP last season, he made it to the records book quite a few times this season as well.

On Christmas Day against the Houston Texans, Jackson tallied three touchdowns and surpassed Michael Vick as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher at quarterback in a 31–2 victory. He capped off a record-setting regular season by leading the Ravens to their second consecutive AFC North title with a 35–10 victory over the Browns. With the win, Jackson became the first player in NFL history to record over 4,000 passing yards and 900 rushing yards in a single season. But despite that, his year 7 ended in a similar fashion- with a loss.

But despite the loss to the Bills in the playoffs, where Jackson had a costly first-half fumble that Von Miller recovered, leading to an eventual Bills’ touchdown, his contribution to the squad could be overlooked. However, there is a point: Over the last six seasons, the Ravens are 4-10, including playoffs, when Jackson has not started at quarterback. That indicates the need for a backup to Jackson. So the franchise has made a move to bring a trusted hand.

The Ravens reached agreement with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush on Sunday, his agency, Equity Sports, announced. Terms were not disclosed but sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler that it’s a two-year contract that has a maximum value of $12.2 million and includes $4.2 million guaranteed. Rush, 31, will take over as Jackson’s primary backup from Josh Johnson, a 38-year-old journeyman who threw three passes in six games last season.

Rush has proved to be a valuable backup quarterback to Dak Prescott for the Cowboys, posting a 9-5 record behind Prescott. He posted career highs in yards (1,844) and touchdowns (12) in 2024, going 4-4 after Prescott had to sit for the season with an avulsion of his right hamstring. While not flashy, Rush is dependable and mostly avoids mistakes. He had five interceptions last season.

Rush’s departure also leaves an opening in Dallas for a new backup to Prescott. With Rush off the market and Trey Lance also a free agent, the only other backup left on the roster is Will Grier, who split last season between the Eagles and Cowboys practice squads. Dallas COO and co-owner Stephen Jones said last month the team will likely look at selecting a quarterback in April’s draft.

Rush initially signed with the Cowboys in 2017 as an undrafted free agent from Central Michigan and served as Prescott’s backup for three seasons. After Mike McCarthy became the head coach in 2020, the Cowboys signed veteran Andy Dalton and Rush was released. He rejoined the Cowboys after a short stint with the New York Giants following Prescott’s season-ending dislocated and fractured right ankle.

Top Comment by Jjeagles

No he is not the right fit

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In 2021, he won the backup job and held the role for the past three seasons. In 2023, he signed a two-year deal with the Cowboys, opting to not test free agency. Including him in the Ravens’ squad shows that John Harbaugh is determined to get past the playoff hump that haunted them in the 2024 season despite phenomenal performance from Jackson. The club already appears to be stacked with significant signings such as Ben Cleveland, Keith Kirkwood, and Anthony Miller. This season, Harbaugh is undoubtedly forming the starting lineup around his quarterback. And a recent social media interaction of Jackson indicates that he is probably also looking for that.

What Lamar Jackson is waiting for?

Even if you are the best in the world, there are moments when you just want to relax. While John Harbaugh has been developing the squad around Jackson, some stunning images of the QB have surfaced online. Jackson was seen eating a huge pizza by himself. Man! That’s a massive treat.

Everyone was surprised to see Jackson’s diet like this, even if it is offseason. Jackson responded to the post, noting the photos are from last year, and left a tacit message for the front office. “This was Last yr…… lol I’m waiting like everyone else,” he wrote in his post. Well, the Ravens faithful know that Jackson needs some potent weapons. So what going on the inside the Ravens?

For starters, in the free agency class this year, there are not enough options in the way of high-end talent. The Ravens have a reputation of being judicious about paying players, and this offseason looks no different. Going by general manager Eric DeCosta’s comments during the combine last month, this looks like a well-thought-out plan.

“I mean, you guys know the Ravens. [It has to be] the right player [and] right price. We don’t have a lot of cap room. We have [vice president of football administration] Nick Matteo working tirelessly to find some space for us. We call it ‘couch cushion coins.’ We’re trying to find 50 grand here, 75 grand there and a couch cushion. But we’re not a team that’s going to make a lot of splashes, generally speaking,” DeCosta told the reporters.

The Ravens had about $12.2 million in salary cap space at the start of free agency. After re-signing of Ronnie Stanley to a three-year, $60 million deal on Saturday, they are now looking at $7.5 million in effective cap space. Hence, the moves have been limited from the front office in signing new players to equip Jackson.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Ravens have signed DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year deal, worth $6 million. It might be quite a sum for a 12-month period but it provides Jackson with one of the best wide receivers of the modern era. Notably, Jackson had requested to sign Hopkins two years ago.

Meanwhile the organization is also attempting to renegotiate Jackson’s deal so that they can have a presence in the NFL Draft. The Ravens signed the QB on a $260 million over five years with $185 million guaranteed in 2023. Jackson is already signed through the 2027 season and an extension straightaway might not happen. The team doesn’t need to offer a contract to their QB right about now. But looking at their cap space situation, they could restructure the deal. What you think about the Ravens’ cap situation? And do you think John Harbaugh’s plans will work?