The Baltimore Ravens just pulled off a move that has all the feels of a classic sports reunion story. On Wednesday, the purple and black welcomed back Tyler Huntley, signing the 27-year-old quarterback to their practice squad in what can only be described as a heartwarming homecoming.
This isn’t just another roster move: it’s the return of a player who bled purple for four seasons and gave Ravens fans some unforgettable moments when their franchise quarterback was sidelined.
Speaking of undrafted rookies, three just made the active roster, as general manager Eric DeCosta keeps finding hidden gems year over year. 2025 is no different, as Iowa LB Jay Higgins, Tennessee-Chattanooga S Reuben Lowery, and Louisiana- Lafayette CB Keyon Martin all find themselves on a top three defense.
All three shined in the preseason, as Higgins was a turnover machine as a center piece and both Lowery and Martin were playmakers with the backups. While they may not get that much playing time in year one, you never know with injuries at key positions and having strong depth will help deep in the playoffs.
The Journey Back to Baltimore
Let’s be real here: Huntley’s path back to Baltimore has been anything but smooth. After spending his first four NFL seasons with the Ravens, the Utah product took his talents to Miami for the 2024 season, where he started five games for the Dolphins. The results were mixed, a 2-3 record as a starter, but his numbers told the story of a quarterback still finding his footing in new surroundings.
Huntley completed 64.7% of his passes for 829 yards, throwing three touchdowns against three interceptions while adding 135 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Those aren’t earth-shattering numbers, but they show a player who can still contribute when called upon.
The plot thickened when Cleveland came calling. The Browns signed Huntley on August 5, presumably to add depth to their quarterback room. But in the cruel world of NFL roster cuts, dreams can shatter in an instant. Just days ago, on Sunday, the Browns released Huntley, sending him back into the free-agent pool.
Why This Move Makes Perfect Sense
General manager Eric DeCosta isn’t known for making moves based on sentiment alone, and this signing is pure football intelligence. With Lamar Jackson firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback and Cooper Rush serving as the primary backup after signing a two-year, $6.2 million deal in March, you might wonder where Huntley fits.
The answer lies in familiarity and system knowledge. Huntley spent 2023 working under offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system, and that institutional knowledge is invaluable for a practice squad quarterback. He knows the playbook, understands the terminology, and can step in seamlessly if needed during practice or in emergency situations.
But this signing means more than just adding depth; it’s about bringing back a player who proved he could handle the pressure when it mattered most.
That Magical 2022 Pro Bowl Season
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to 2022, when Huntley became the feel-good story of the Ravens’ season. When Jackson went down with an injury, many fans held their breath, wondering if their playoff hopes would evaporate. Enter Tyler Huntley, stage left.
The undrafted quarterback didn’t just fill in: he thrived. Starting four regular-season games, Huntley helped the Ravens maintain their playoff position, going 2-2 in those crucial contests. His performance was so impressive that he earned a spot in the Pro Bowl after Josh Allen opted out due to injury.
Think about that for a second: an undrafted free agent quarterback, thrust into the spotlight for a playoff-contending team, performed well enough to earn Pro Bowl recognition. That’s the stuff of Hollywood scripts, except this was real life in Baltimore.
During that magical 2022 season, Huntley completed 67.0% of his passes for 658 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions in the regular season. He added 137 rushing yards and a touchdown, showing the dual-threat ability that made him such an effective fill-in for Jackson.
The Playoff Performance That Defined Him
The numbers only tell part of the story. The moment that truly defined Huntley came in the playoffs against Cincinnati, a 24-17 loss that stung but showcased his poise under pressure. Throwing for 226 yards and two touchdowns in his first playoff start, Huntley proved he belonged on the biggest stage.
Sure, the Ravens lost that game, but nobody could question Huntley’s heart or preparation. He gave everything he had, and Ravens fans will never forget how he stepped up when the team needed him most.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Baltimore
Over his four seasons in Baltimore, Huntley appeared in 20 games with nine starts, completing 64.6% of his passes for 1,957 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 509 yards and three touchdowns, numbers that reflect a reliable, if not spectacular, backup quarterback.
Now, as he returns to the practice squad, Huntley brings that experience and those memories with him. He’s not the wide-eyed rookie who first walked into the Ravens facility years ago: he’s a veteran who’s been through the wars and lived to tell about it.
For a franchise that prides itself on family and loyalty, bringing back Huntley feels right. Sometimes in the NFL, the best moves aren’t the flashiest ones: they’re the ones that make sense on multiple levels.
Welcome home, Tyler. Ravens fans haven’t forgotten what you did for them when it mattered most.
