Ravens Release Backup QB Who Started 2 Games Last Season

Baltimore moves on from Cooper Rush after signing Tyler Huntley to a new contract

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:39pm

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The Baltimore Ravens have released quarterback Cooper Rush, who started two games for the team in 2025 while Lamar Jackson was injured. Rush struggled in those starts, going 34-of-52 for 303 yards with 0 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The Ravens have instead opted to re-sign Tyler Huntley, who took over the backup QB role after Rush was benched.

Why it matters

The Ravens' decision to part ways with Rush signals their confidence in Huntley as the primary backup to star QB Lamar Jackson. It also raises questions about the team's plans for the QB position, as they may look to add another arm through the draft or free agency.

The details

Cooper Rush started two games for the Ravens in October 2025 while Lamar Jackson was sidelined with an injury. However, Rush struggled mightily in those starts, posting a 48.8 passer rating. The Ravens ultimately benched Rush in favor of Tyler Huntley, who performed better in the backup role. Baltimore has now decided to release Rush and instead re-sign Huntley to a two-year, $11 million contract to solidify the QB2 position behind Jackson.

  • In October 2025, Cooper Rush started two games for the Ravens while Lamar Jackson was injured.
  • On March 7, 2026, the Ravens re-signed Tyler Huntley to a two-year, $11 million contract.
  • On March 12, 2026, the Ravens released Cooper Rush.

The players

Cooper Rush

A quarterback who started two games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025 while Lamar Jackson was injured, but struggled mightily with a 48.8 passer rating.

Lamar Jackson

The star quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens who missed multiple weeks in 2025 due to injury.

Tyler Huntley

The Ravens' new primary backup quarterback after the team re-signed him to a two-year, $11 million contract on March 7, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The Ravens have officially released quarterback Cooper Rush on Thursday, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The Ravens may look to add another quarterback through the 2026 NFL Draft or free agency to compete for the backup role behind Lamar Jackson.

The takeaway

The Ravens' decision to move on from Cooper Rush and instead commit to Tyler Huntley as the primary backup QB signals their confidence in Huntley's ability to step in if needed. It also raises questions about how the team will address the QB depth chart going forward, either through the draft or free agency.