Can Baltimore Ravens Trust Josh Johnson as Primary Backup Quarterback?

With Tyler Huntley now in Cleveland, can the Baltimore Ravens trust Josh Johnson as the immediate backup to Lamar Jackson?

Nov 16, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson (17) warms up / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Johnson's NFL career has been that of a backup quarterback for over a decade. Now, the Baltimore Ravens are hoping the veteran can be just what they need to back up two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.

With Tyler Huntley signing a free-agent deal with the Cleveland Browns, the Ravens needed a backup quarterback behind Jackson. Instead of going with a younger backup option, or even a veteran with more starting experience, Baltimore opted to bring back Johnson.

Nov 16, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson (17) warms up / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson has started just nine games in his NFL career and is 1-8 as a starter. He has more interceptions (16) than touchdowns (13), but plays a similar style to Jackson where the offensive scheme wouldn't have to change too much should an injury occur to the league's MVPP.

That's the tricky part, though.

Despite his strong performance last year, Jackson did not play in over 15 gives for the two years prior. Baltimore was able to rely on Huntley to perform admirably, and even lead the team to the playoffs in 2022. Can Johnson do the same if an injury occurs to Jackson?

That's the lingering question that the Ravens will need to be confident in going into the 2024 season. Johnson has had starting experience in playoff games - particuarly when he came in relief during the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles for the San Francisco 49ers, but suffered a concussion just a few series in.

There may be Ravens fans who may not question the backup quarterback role with a top player like Jackson in front of him, but recent years have shown just how important having a competent backup quarterback can do for a team.

Baltimore better be sure Johnson can play at a high level behind their franchise quarterback. Otherwise, it may cost them some important wins in a loaded AFC.