The Baltimore Ravens evaluated three quarterbacks during their preseason activities: Josh Johnson, Emory Jones and Devin Leary. Each of them played center at one time and was eager to prove they deserve a spot in the regular season roster. The Ravens are expected to use only two quarterbacks for the 2024 season. Lamar Jackson clearly secures a spot. The experienced Josh Johnson has secured the backup role after a strong preseason, leaving Jones and Leary battling for the rest.
This offseason, the Ravens drafted Leary 218th in the sixth round. They also signed Emory Jones, an undrafted free agent from the University of Cincinnati. Since he performed decently in the preseason, Jones will likely be signed to the practice squad. It’s notable that the Ravens brought in two rookies to compete for the backup QB spot. Josh Johnson is 38 years old, and the team could use a long-term backup for Jackson.
With Jackson as the starter and Johnson as the backup and Jones likely on the practice squad, Leary is on the sidelines.
Leary will not make the 53-man roster. He finished the preseason with 15 passes on 28 attempts for just 95 yards and two interceptions. His decision-making was sluggish and he had trouble adjusting to the NFL’s faster pace. While his performances against the Eagles and Falcons were lackluster, his third game against the Green Bay Packers was particularly disappointing.
Leary struggled in this encounter, completing only six of 13 passes for just under 34 yards, as well as two interceptions and two fumbles – one of which was returned by the defense for a Packers touchdown.
Leary’s last game ended with an abysmal passer rating of just 13.5. His poor performance, which put him in a precarious position on the fringes of the roster, only increased doubts about his future. Even a spot on the practice squad seems at risk, especially with Jones, who significantly outperformed Leary in last week’s game alone.
As the Ravens prepare for another challenging season, decisions on the quarterback roster appear to be nearly finalized, putting Devin Leary’s immediate future with the team in jeopardy. The sharp contrast between Jones’ emerging potential and Leary’s struggles clearly defines the team’s direction. With Johnson providing an experienced replacement and Jones showing promise, Leary is needed less and less.
The harsh realities of the NFL are evident – potential has its limits and every play in the preseason can determine a player’s fate. For Leary, this preseason has been an overwhelming test, marked by crucial mistakes and missed opportunities. As the Ravens finalize their roster, the emphasis is shifting from potential to necessity for team success.
For Leary, this setback may not be the end of his NFL dreams, but rather a tough introduction to the competitive nature of the league. The next few days will determine his path – whether he finds opportunities elsewhere or refines his skills for a possible future return. Meanwhile, the Ravens are pushing forward and are poised for a season filled with high hopes, bolstered by a quarterback group that combines veteran leadership with emerging talent, all underpinned by the impressive Lamar Jackson.
