The Baltimore Ravens currently boast one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson, who is on track to claim back-to-back MVP honors if he maintains his stellar performance this season.
However, while their starting quarterback is exceptional, the team’s backup quarterback situation raises some concerns.
Right now, the Ravens’ success heavily depends on Lamar Jackson staying healthy, as an injury to him could severely hinder their chances of contending. In the offseason, they may explore options to strengthen their quarterback depth behind Jackson.
David Latham from Last Word on Sports has floated an intriguing idea: Baltimore as a potential trade destination for Carolina Panthers’ second-year quarterback Bryce Young.
“MVP candidate Lamar Jackson remains one of the game’s elite quarterbacks, and nobody is taking his job anytime soon,” Latham noted. “However, the team needs a better Plan B than Josh Johnson, whose best days never quite reached NFL standards. At 38, he’s well past his physical peak. Baltimore’s attempt to sign Daniel Jones in free agency signals their intent to upgrade the backup role. While it’s too late for help in 2024, a trade for Bryce Young might be the solution in 2025.”
Bryce Young could be a logical fit as a backup to Lamar Jackson, providing the Ravens with a solid insurance option. However, the key question is what the Panthers would demand in return for parting ways with Young.
While Young’s potential is appealing, the Ravens should avoid overpaying for a backup quarterback. Jackson remains the clear franchise leader and is likely to hold the starting job for years to come. Given Jackson’s durability and longevity, there’s a significant possibility that Young might never see meaningful playing time before seeking a starting role with another team.
In his 24 NFL games, Bryce Young has completed 59.9% of his passes, accumulating 3,960 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. While his career hasn’t unfolded as expected, the talent that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft remains evident.
A fresh start in Baltimore, combined with the opportunity to learn behind Lamar Jackson, could be exactly what Young needs to unlock his full potential and take the next step in his development.
