Ranking Every Baltimore Ravens Backup Quarterback in Franchise History

Ranking Every Baltimore Ravens Backup Quarterback in Franchise History

By Brian Hradsky

Since entering the NFL in 1996, the Baltimore Ravens have relied on an interesting collection of backup quarterbacks, ranging from former Super Bowl champions and highly drafted prospects to veteran journeymen and unlikely playoff heroes.

Some backups became starters because of injuries or poor performances. Others spent their time in Baltimore mentoring younger quarterbacks, preparing for emergencies or helping the Ravens win games that ultimately determined their postseason fate.

This historical ranking evaluates Ravens backup quarterbacks based primarily on their contributions in Baltimore, rather than their accomplishments elsewhere. Playing performance, victories, postseason impact, reliability, longevity and the quality of competition each quarterback faced all factor into the rankings.

For consistency, quarterbacks who served as backups at some point in Baltimore are eligible, even if they eventually became the team’s starter. However, franchise quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson and Joe Flacco are excluded because their primary Ravens roles were as established starters.

The top 15 Ravens backup quarterbacks

Rankings are editorial judgments. Statistics cited are regular-season Ravens figures unless otherwise noted.

1. Trent Dilfer

Baltimore: 2000

1,502 passing yards | 12 TD | 7–1 as starter

Dilfer arrived as Tony Banks’ backup before taking over the starting job during the Ravens’ historic 2000 championship season. Although Baltimore’s legendary defense carried much of the burden, Dilfer helped stabilize the offense and won all four postseason starts, including Super Bowl XXXV. No Ravens quarterback who began as a backup has delivered a more important championship contribution.

2. Tyler Huntley

Baltimore: 2020–2023, 2025–present

3,110 passing yards | 14 TD | 6–8 as starter (through the available 2026 statistics)

Huntley has become one of the most important true backups in franchise history, repeatedly replacing Lamar Jackson. His mobility and familiarity with Baltimore’s offense have helped the Ravens remain competitive, and he even earned a Pro Bowl selection following the 2022 season. His near-upset of Cincinnati in the 2022 playoffs, despite the costly goal-line fumble, remains a defining performance.

3. Anthony Wright

Baltimore: 2003–2005

2,781 passing yards | 15 TD | 7–7 as starter

Wright stepped into the starting role after Kyle Boller suffered an injury in 2003 and helped Baltimore capture the AFC North championship. His memorable comeback against Seattle, a 44–41 overtime victory, was among the most dramatic games of that era. Wright’s ability to rescue a season makes him one of the franchise’s most accomplished emergency starters.

4. Randall Cunningham

Baltimore: 2001

573 passing yards | 3 TD | 2–0 as starter

Cunningham was near the end of his remarkable career when he joined Baltimore as Elvis Grbac’s backup. Nevertheless, the former Philadelphia Eagles star won both of his starts and provided an experienced presence behind center. His Ravens tenure was brief, but his undefeated starting record earns him a high ranking.

5. Eric Zeier

Baltimore: 1996–1998

2,367 passing yards | 12 TD | 3–4 as starter

Zeier was Baltimore’s original long-term backup, playing behind Vinny Testaverde and later competing for opportunities during the franchise’s early seasons. His 87.3 passer rating was respectable for the period, particularly considering the team’s developing roster. Zeier deserves recognition for being one of the earliest dependable reserve quarterbacks in Ravens history.

6. Tyrod Taylor

Baltimore: 2011–2014

199 passing yards | Super Bowl XLVII champion

Taylor spent four seasons backing up Joe Flacco, including Baltimore’s 2012 championship campaign. Although his regular-season passing opportunities were limited, his athleticism and subsequent success as an NFL starter demonstrate the quality Baltimore had in reserve. Taylor ranks especially highly when evaluating talent and long-term value rather than Ravens passing production alone.

7. Ryan Mallett

Baltimore: 2015–2017

648 passing yards | 4 TD | 1–1 as starter

Mallett joined the Ravens late in the injury-ravaged 2015 season and immediately delivered one of its biggest surprises. He led Baltimore to a 20–17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, demonstrating the arm strength that had made him an intriguing NFL prospect. His limited consistency prevents a higher ranking, but that upset remains a significant achievement.

8. Troy Smith

Baltimore: 2007–2009

558 passing yards | 3 TD | 1–1 as starter

The former Heisman Trophy winner joined Baltimore with considerable promise and showed flashes of exciting dual-threat ability. Smith was positioned to compete for the starting job in 2008 before an illness disrupted his opportunity and Joe Flacco emerged. He never developed into Baltimore’s long-term answer, but his talent made him a noteworthy backup.

9. Robert Griffin III

Baltimore: 2018–2020

288 passing yards | 1 TD | 1–1 as starter

Griffin became an important veteran presence during Lamar Jackson’s early development and provided a mobile alternative in Baltimore’s quarterback room. His greatest contribution may have been helping the organization transition into an offense built around Jackson’s exceptional athleticism. His on-field production was limited, but his experience and mentorship gave Baltimore meaningful value.

10. Chris Redman

Baltimore: 2000–2003

1,111 passing yards | 7 TD | 3–3 as starter

Baltimore drafted Redman in the third round in 2000, hoping he might eventually become its franchise quarterback. He spent time developing behind veterans before starting six games in 2002, producing mixed results. Although injuries and inconsistency limited his progress, Redman offered more actual starting experience than many Ravens reserves.

11. Josh Johnson

Baltimore: 2021, 2023–2024

321 passing yards | 2 TD | 0–1 as starter

Johnson’s extensive NFL experience made him a useful emergency option during several stints with Baltimore. He threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns in a 2021 start against Cincinnati despite joining the team only shortly beforehand. The Ravens lost that game, but Johnson’s preparation and adaptability deserve recognition.

12. Matt Schaub

Baltimore: 2015

540 passing yards | 3 TD | 1–1 as starter

Schaub arrived with extensive experience from his years as Houston’s starting quarterback and became Baltimore’s primary backup to Flacco. When Flacco suffered a season-ending knee injury, Schaub stepped in and helped secure a victory over Cleveland. However, costly interceptions, including returns for touchdowns, prevented him from providing sustained stability.

13. Kordell Stewart

Baltimore: 2004–2005

Stewart was already well known to Ravens fans from his years with Pittsburgh before joining Baltimore as a reserve. His Ravens passing contributions were minimal, but his versatility, veteran knowledge and experience in AFC North competition added depth. His ranking reflects his usefulness as an experienced backup, not the much larger achievements of his Steelers career.

14. Trace McSorley

Baltimore: 2019–2020

90 passing yards | 1 TD

McSorley was drafted in 2019 and became a developmental quarterback behind Jackson and Griffin. His most memorable moment came against Pittsburgh in 2020, when he connected with Marquise Brown for a 70-yard touchdown. Although he never became a regular starter in Baltimore, he supplied an exciting moment during an otherwise difficult game.

15. Jimmy Clausen

Baltimore: 2015

555 passing yards | 2 TD | 0–2 as starter

Clausen joined Baltimore during the team’s quarterback injury crisis and started two games late in 2015. He showed occasional flashes, particularly throwing downfield, but the Ravens lost both starts. His production was respectable given the circumstances, though his limited success keeps him outside the top 10.

Rankings 16–30: The remaining backups and emergency starters

Rank	Quarterback	Ravens tenure	Assessment
16	Cooper Rush	2025	Went 0–2 starting in place of Jackson, with four interceptions and no touchdown passes.
17	Anthony Brown	2022	Made an emergency start against Cincinnati and threw for 302 yards across two appearances.
18	Stoney Case	1999	Won two of four starts but struggled with accuracy and turnovers.
19	Scott Mitchell	1999	Arrived with extensive Detroit Lions experience but lost both Ravens starts.
20	Ray Lucas	2003	Veteran reserve who offered depth without making a significant regular-season contribution.
21	Malik Cunningham	2023–2024	Athletic developmental quarterback whose opportunities were extremely limited.
22	Joe Fagnano	2026	Promising undrafted rookie who made the initial 53-man roster; too early to judge his overall legacy.
23	Wally Richardson	1997–1998	Early franchise reserve who never established himself as a regular contributor.
24	Brian St. Pierre	2005	Served as quarterback depth without meaningful regular-season passing production.
25	Diego Pavia	2026 offseason	Joined Baltimore as an undrafted rookie but did not establish a regular-season Ravens legacy.
26	Austin Reed	2026 offseason	Competed for a roster spot but did not make the initial 53-man roster.
27	Joey Fagnano	—	Not a separate player; Joe Fagnano is already ranked No. 22.

Historical coverage note: The list above includes regular-season contributors and selected developmental or offseason quarterbacks. The final three entries illustrate why an exhaustive ranking should distinguish players who actually appeared for Baltimore from those who only competed for roster spots. The Football Database +2

Special category: Quarterbacks who became primary starters

These players are important to Baltimore’s quarterback history, but ranking their starting careers as backup achievements would distort the results.

Quarterback	Ravens seasons	Why excluded from main ranking
Tony Banks	1999–2000	Primarily a starter before Dilfer replaced him
Jeff Blake	2002	Started 10 games
Kyle Boller	2003–2007	Longtime starter who later backed up McNair
Steve McNair	2006–2007	Acquired to be Baltimore’s starter
Elvis Grbac	2001	Signed as the established starting quarterback
Vinny Testaverde	1996–1997	Original Ravens starting quarterback
Jim Harbaugh	1998	Started 12 games during his lone Baltimore season

There is a legitimate argument for including Boller, who became McNair’s backup after several seasons as the Ravens’ starter. However, evaluating only his reserve years produces a much different result from judging his entire Baltimore career. The same distinction applies to quarterbacks who arrived as backups before earning starting jobs. Pro Football Reference +1

Brian’s Take: Who was actually Baltimore’s best backup?

Best championship impact Trent Dilfer

Best long-term