Ravens Release QB Cooper Rush

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The Baltimore Ravens have released quarterback Cooper Rush, clearing $453,000 in salary cap space with $2.2 million in dead money. The move comes after the Ravens re-signed Tyler Huntley, their preferred backup to Lamar Jackson, to a two-year deal before free agency. Rush struggled after Jackson went down with an injury in Week 4, leading to calls for Huntley to take over the offense. Huntley went on to lead the Ravens to a five-game win streak and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Why it matters

The Ravens' decision to release Cooper Rush and retain Tyler Huntley as the primary backup to Lamar Jackson highlights the team's confidence in Huntley's ability to step in and lead the offense effectively when needed. This move also frees up valuable salary cap space for the Ravens to address other roster needs in free agency.

The details

The Ravens signed Cooper Rush to a two-year, $4 million deal last offseason to serve as the backup to Lamar Jackson. However, when Jackson went down with an injury in Week 4, Rush struggled, leading to calls for Tyler Huntley to take over the offense. Huntley was eventually inserted in Week 8 and helped spark a five-game win streak that brought the Ravens back into the playoff picture. With Huntley now re-signed to a two-year deal, the Ravens determined that Rush had become surplus to requirements and released him, clearing $453,000 in salary cap space.

• On March 14, 2026, the Ravens released Cooper Rush at the start of the league year.
• Prior to the 2025 season, the Ravens signed Cooper Rush to a two-year, $4 million deal to serve as the backup to Lamar Jackson.

What’s next

With Cooper Rush now a free agent, he may look to sign with another team, potentially the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he could reunite with new head coach Mike McCarthy, who previously worked with Rush in Dallas.