Tyler Huntley, the former starting QB for the Ravens, has been signed by the Browns.
The Cleveland Browns have inked a deal with ex-Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley.
Tyler Huntley, a former quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has made an unexpected addition to The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room.
The Browns have added another quarterback this offseason with Huntley joining the team. Alongside him, Cleveland has signed Jameis Winston who was expected to serve as backup for Deshaun Watson after being chosen first overall in a past draft selection. Additionally, second-year player Dorian Thompson-Robinson will also be competing for a spot on the roster.
When reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson was injured, Huntley stepped up and started several games for the Ravens. He came to the team in 2020 as an undrafted rookie from Utah and has a starter record of 3-6.
In total, Huntley has successfully thrown 1,957 yards and completed 64.6% of his passes with a touchdown count of eight and seven interceptions. His past performances have contributed to an established career quarterback rating at 79.0. Alongside his prowess in passing the ball, he poses as a dual threat by amassing additional stats through rushing on the ground with three touchdowns and a record of 509 yards gained under this category alone.
Over the years, whenever Huntley was called upon, Ravens head coach Jon Harbaugh displayed confidence in him.
“In 2023, Harbaugh expressed his admiration for Tyler Huntley as a fantastic leader who is loved by the team. They have faith in him and see him as a worthy competitor. As an up-and-coming quarterback, he possesses great potential and passion that make him stand out among others on the field.”
With the addition of Tyler Huntley, Browns have a sturdy quarterback room to boast.
Last season, the importance of having a strong group of quarterbacks became clear to the Browns through challenging circumstances. With Watson injured, Cleveland resorted to utilizing five different quarterbacks – including PJ Walker, Thompson-Robinson, Joe Flacco and Jeff Driskel.
The Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, recently stated that the backup quarterback role is considered one of the top 30 positions on their roster.
According to Berry’s statement on January 22, the quarterback position is highly valued in their team. Their history over the last four seasons shows that they invest significant resources towards backup quarterbacks and have been ranked among the top teams within this area of expenditure. Therefore, carrying three quarterbacks is a priority for them as they consider it to be one of the most important positions on their roster – possibly even ranking in the top 30 players overall.
Now, the Browns’ dilemma is deciding on their three quarterbacks. Watson secures his role as the starting quarterback without question. Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round selection in 2023, has garnered Cleveland’s approval but still requires further development time. Winston and Huntley hold one-year agreements with the team and will likely compete for backup position during preseason games.
Jameis Winston, quarterback for the Browns, is still eager to become a starter.
The Browns’ decision to sign Winston instead of Flacco at the start of free agency came as a surprise, given both parties had expressed mutual interest. Nonetheless, with nine years on his side and being more suited for Watson’s backup role, it made sense. As for Flacco, he found himself signed onto the Indianapolis Colts team.
In his career, Winston’s passing yardage amounts to 22,104 yards while registering an impressive tally of 141 touchdowns and making a few mistakes with just about ninety-nine interceptions. As a starter quarterback, he has won thirty-four out of forty-six games but came into the limelight for clinching the Pro Bowl title in 2015 as a rookie sensation. Despite boasting high ambitions of becoming one amongst NFL’s top starters – which can be accredited to his proven talent – Winston is well aware that fulfilling designated roles assigned by Browns management holds equal importance.
In an interview with Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Winston stated that although he still sees himself starting, God has also called him to lead and influence the men around him. His primary mission is to work alongside Deshaun Watson and assist in his development towards greatness. However, if circumstances require Winston to step up as a starter temporarily while Watson recovers from injury, he will be prepared for the task at hand. Ultimately though, fulfilling God’s purpose comes before any personal ambition – even winning Super Bowls – but truthfully speaking Cleveland’s current roster looks primed for success in achieving such feat.
As a part of his rehabilitation process, Watson is anticipated to commence throwing soon. With the Browns, Watson has made appearances in 12 games throughout two seasons.
