Free agency tracker for the Ravens in 2025: Former Cowboys quarterback Rush joins as a backup for Lamar Jackson

The 2025 NFL offseason is already shaping up to be an exciting one for the Baltimore Ravens, as the franchise continues to build around its star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have always been a team committed to both defensive prowess and a dynamic, mobile offense that capitalizes on the unique talents of Jackson. However, with the unpredictable nature of injuries and the evolving NFL landscape, having a reliable backup quarterback is of paramount importance. Enter Cooper Rush, the former Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback, who has signed a deal to join the Ravens as Lamar Jackson’s primary backup for the 2025 season.

The Quarterback Situation in Baltimore

Lamar Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, is undoubtedly the face of the Baltimore Ravens’ franchise. Since being drafted in 2018, Jackson has revolutionized the Ravens’ offense with his unique blend of arm strength and unmatched mobility as a runner. Despite his success, one issue that has consistently plagued the Ravens’ quarterback depth is the lack of a reliable backup. Over the years, Baltimore has seen several quarterbacks serve as Jackson’s backup, but none have proven to be consistently reliable when called upon.

In 2025, after another season of mixed results for the Ravens’ backup quarterbacks, the front office recognized the need for a stable and competent backup. They decided to make a bold move by signing Cooper Rush, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, who is familiar with the intricacies of playing in a high-pressure environment and has shown glimpses of potential as a starting quarterback in limited action.

Why Cooper Rush?

Cooper Rush, a former undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan, made a name for himself as a reliable backup quarterback for the Cowboys. While Rush never had the chance to take over as a full-time starter in Dallas, he provided stability when called upon in relief of Dak Prescott during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. In particular, Rush’s performance during a key stretch in the 2021 season helped solidify his reputation as a dependable backup. He stepped in for Prescott when the Cowboys’ star quarterback suffered an injury and went 4-1 as a starter during that period, including wins over the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants.

What stands out most about Rush’s time in Dallas is his ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. While he doesn’t have the same athleticism as Jackson, Rush has a strong arm and the necessary football IQ to execute an offense efficiently. He has experience playing in big games, and his poise in the pocket could be a valuable asset to the Ravens if Jackson were to miss any time due to injury.

Moreover, Rush’s presence adds a level of stability to the Ravens’ quarterback room. Having a backup who has experience with starting NFL games and leading a team to victories can be incredibly important, especially when Jackson’s playing style leaves him open to potential injuries. The Ravens will be hoping that Rush can step up if needed and keep the offense afloat, providing the team with a level of continuity and competitiveness that has sometimes been lacking when Jackson has missed time in the past.

Cooper Rush’s Role in Baltimore

Cooper Rush’s role in Baltimore will primarily be as Lamar Jackson’s backup, but he could also be a valuable asset for the coaching staff as a sounding board and mentor. One of Rush’s biggest strengths has been his understanding of the game. Having spent years in the NFL, Rush has gained insight into how to operate a high-powered offense, and his experience with the Cowboys will be useful when it comes to breaking down defensive schemes, recognizing coverages, and improving his own performance.

For Jackson, having a seasoned backup like Rush could help in more ways than one. Not only does it allow the Ravens to have a competent and capable backup in case of injury, but it also provides Jackson with a trusted veteran in the quarterback room who can share knowledge about different ways to approach the game. Quarterbacks often work closely with each other, and Rush can offer advice based on his own experiences, particularly in terms of how to deal with adversity or remain focused when things aren’t going according to plan.

Impact on the Ravens’ Offense

While the Ravens’ offense is known for its unique system built around Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities, the signing of Cooper Rush may have more of an impact on the team’s overall depth and preparedness rather than the offensive philosophy itself. The Ravens’ offense is designed to be adaptable, with a heavy emphasis on the running game and play-action passes, which suits Jackson’s strengths as a mobile quarterback.

In the event that Jackson were to miss time, Rush’s experience running a similar offense in Dallas could make the transition smoother for the Ravens. While his skill set is different from Jackson’s, Rush is familiar with executing an offense that relies on strong running back play and efficient passing. His ability to read defenses and manage the game could keep the Ravens’ offense from falling off drastically in the event of an injury to Jackson.

One area where Rush could be valuable is in helping to maintain the team’s offensive balance. Jackson has the ability to stretch the field with both his legs and his arm, but when he’s not on the field, the Ravens need a quarterback who can still run an offense efficiently. Rush is known for his quick decision-making and ability to get the ball to the right spots. Though he lacks Jackson’s speed and mobility, Rush is still capable of executing a strong passing attack and maintaining a semblance of the Ravens’ offensive identity.

The Importance of Depth for the Ravens

Depth has always been an essential aspect of NFL success, and the 2025 Ravens are no different. The team’s coaching staff, led by head coach John Harbaugh, has long placed an emphasis on depth across all positions, understanding that the grind of an NFL season requires a strong roster from top to bottom. This is particularly true at quarterback, where the difference between a Super Bowl contender and an also-ran can often come down to how well the backup quarterback performs when called upon.

While Lamar Jackson has been remarkably durable throughout his career, the nature of his playing style exposes him to higher injury risks than most quarterbacks. With Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs and the frequency with which he takes hits, having a reliable backup quarterback is paramount. In signing Cooper Rush, the Ravens have added a layer of security in case Jackson misses time due to injury, ensuring that the team won’t be left scrambling for a quarterback in a critical part of the season.

Rush’s familiarity with a system that emphasizes strong defense and efficient offense means he can step into a game with less of a learning curve than some other backups might face. The Ravens, who have always prided themselves on their defense, will know that they can rely on their quarterback to manage the game while the defense keeps them in contention.

The Bigger Picture for Baltimore

Beyond just the immediate impact of Rush’s signing, this move speaks to the larger philosophy of the Ravens’ front office. The team is clearly focused on ensuring that they can contend for a Super Bowl, with an eye toward building a well-rounded and deep roster that can survive the ups and downs of a grueling 17-game regular season. The addition of Rush gives the Ravens a sense of security at the quarterback position, which can often be a make-or-break position for any NFL team.

It’s also worth noting that the Ravens have a relatively young roster, with several players poised to make an impact in the coming years. With the emergence of young stars on defense and an offense centered around Jackson, the Ravens are looking to build a team capable of contending for multiple championships. Having a quarterback like Cooper Rush, who can step in and provide stability at a critical position, fits within that broader vision.

The Baltimore Ravens’ decision to sign Cooper Rush in 2025 is a significant move that reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring their roster is both deep and well-prepared for whatever challenges the upcoming season may bring. While Lamar Jackson remains the centerpiece of the offense, having a reliable backup in Rush is crucial for maintaining continuity in the event of injury. With his calm demeanor, experience, and understanding of NFL offenses, Rush provides the Ravens with a trustworthy option behind Jackson. This move could prove vital in keeping the team competitive throughout the season and ensuring that they remain Super Bowl contenders, regardless of the adversity they may face.