Ravens reportedly considered two former Browns QBs as Lamar Jackson dangles

The Baltimore Ravens appear to understand they could need a reliable quarterback for at least spring workouts while they handle the Lamar Jackson’s situation.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday that the Ravens looked “into options such as” former Cleveland Browns starters Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett. 

Mayfield was with the Browns from 2018-21 and had been linked in rumors with the Ravens because he played under Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken when both were employed by Cleveland. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly scooped Mayfield up earlier on Wednesday.

Brissett, meanwhile, started 11 games for the Browns this past season while Deshaun Watson served a suspension related to allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. The journeyman, same as Mayfield, won’t be an actual option for Baltimore, though, as he appears headed to the Washington Commanders.

Per Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing of the Ravens’ official website, Baltimore and Jackson have until July 17 to reach a contract agreement. If they cannot reach an agreement — and if no other team offers — the 26-year-old former MVP would have to play the 2023 season on the tag. Jackson could theoretically threaten to sit rather than play for the Ravens, if it comes to that.

Jackson is somewhat controversially still negotiating without an agent and reportedly wants a fully guaranteed contract similar to the five-year, $230M deal the Browns gave Watson last offseason. There are no current indications that team and quarterback are close to putting pen to paper on anything.

In additional Ravens quarterback news on Wednesday afternoon, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley tweeted that the Ravens used the right of first refusal tender on backup quarterback Tyler Huntley.