OTL: A Surprising Reunion & a New Backup QB

You’re probably thinking that we just got through another uneventful Sunday without football, but March 16th is a special date in my book. It’s the birthday of not only Ozzie Newsome but also star safety, Kyle Hamilton. Newsome of course built the Ravens teams that won Super Bowl XXXV and Super Bowl XLVII. He’s the legendary Browns tight end with just as legendary of a resume as a general manager. Hamilton has the chance to be one of the best safeties in the NFL for a generation and is a huge part of the Ravens defense. March 16th is pretty cool, who knew?

Legendary birthdate

Happy birthday @kyledhamilton_ and Ozzie pic.twitter.com/M1A0Sxouta

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 16, 2025

Ravens, QB Cooper Rush agree to terms on a 2-year deal worth up to $12.2M. (via @rapsheet, @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/xzIRgy2DWb

— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2025

Some big news did happen this weekend though, as Lamar Jackson has a new backup quarterback. The Ravens scooped up Cooper Rush who got some valuable experience as Dak Prescott’s understudy in Dallas. Here’s what people are saying about the move:

Baltimore Beatdown’s Kyle Phoenix wrote this: 

Rush has proven capable of coming in when called upon and keeping a team afloat in the interim; if Jackson were to miss games with illness or injury, the Ravens can rely on Rush to keep them competitive, especially in an offense boasting running back Derrick Henry and their litany of receiving weapons.

The Cooper Rush signing was unexpected, but the Ravens have finally invested in a quality QB2. Rush has proven that he can manage and win games when his number’s called.

— GOWIE (@DaKidGowie) March 16, 2025

These guys are spot on because this is a good move. It’s not a complete game changer. If Lamar Jackson gets hurt for a big patch of games the Ravens aren’t going to like the outcome. You never want to use the backup quarterback, but you need a guy who can win a game or two in a pinch. Rush is that guy. The Ravens got nothing out of Josh Johnson. Johnson was a journeyman for a reason. It’s nothing personal, in fact he seems like an awesome guy… but an upgrade was needed at the number two quarterback spot.

Ben Cleveland is a Raven, still. It has been reported that the Ravens have given him a new deal. Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk makes sense of the news:

The Ravens lost right tackle Patrick Mekari as a free agent, but re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley and also have the rest of their starting offensive line due back for the 2025 season. Cleveland gives them some experienced depth behind those players.

I didn’t expect the Ravens to hold on to Ben Cleveland, but it makes sense from a numbers perspective. I think Alper’s on the right track here. The Ravens need as many functional pieces on the offensive line as they can have before the NFL Draft. The depth at offensive line is a real concern and Cleveland can play guard and center. The Ravens have never seemed thrilled with the former Georgia Bulldog, making this move a little surprising. This could have been the Ravens’ natural out of the Ben Cleveland business. I wouldn’t assume Cleveland is completely safe. He should go into training camp with something to prove. He should want to make sure that he’s not only here because others left.

Believe it or not, PFF has the Ravens taking a receiver in their latest mock draft. John Kosko selected Luthor Burden III from Missouri as the Ravens first round pick:

The Ravens seemingly draft a wide receiver at the back end of the first round almost every year as they look for weapons for Lamar Jackson’s arsenal. Burden was projected in the top 10 for much of 2024 but has fallen in recent months. Regardless, Burden is an explosive athlete with the ability to separate in man coverage and outrun pursuit angles with the ball in his hands.

The Ravens could learn a thing or two from their division rivals. The Bengals and Steelers are constantly investing in the wide receiver position. If the Ravens are truly in a best player available mode, they have a chance to take a wide receiver. This is an exciting pick. Could you imagine a spoil of riches at the wide receiver position. I’m a Ravens guy, never thought I would see it.

Meanwhile on Ravens Wire we got a post free agency mock draft by Glenn Erby. He’s thinking more along the lines of a pass rusher.

Rd 1 pick 27: Nic Scourton, Edge rusher, Texas A&M

Scourton is built like and plays like a Raven. Scourton was one of the highest-rated transfers ahead of the 2024 season due to his combination of size and speed. Standing at 6-4 280 pounds, he had 10 sacks and 50 tackles in his 2023 season at Purdue and finished his career at Texas A&M with five sacks, a forced fumble, 37 tackles, and two passes defended.

This certainly grabs your attention. This combination of productivity and measurables is enticing. The Ravens need a pass rusher and it’s been quiet on that front in free agency.

Happy Monday. Let’s get it.

The post OTL: A Surprising Reunion & a New Backup QB appeared first on Russell Street Report.

Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2025/03/17/out-to-lunch/otl-a-surprising-reunion-a-new-backup-qb/