After signing quarterback Ryan Mallett, the Ravens are in a unique position. After losing their franchise quarterback Joe Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens turned to veteran Matt Schaub to lead them the rest of the way. Two games later and they were forced to turn to Jimmy Clausen. Now with Schaub expected to be healthy enough to play and with Clausen having performed admirably against a tough defense, a quarterback controversy is brewing.
Add former New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett to the frenzy now.
The Ravens officially signed Mallet to a contract today, after rumor had surfaced that the deal was pending yesterday. Further rumor has shown up about Mallet's contract details and it adds a huge speedbump to the mix.
Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Ravens gave Mallet a two-year contract that could be worth as much as $2.5 million in 2016.
After deciding last night to join #Ravens over a push from QB-needy teams, Ryan Mallett will sign today a deal with up to $2.5M in 2016
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 15, 2015
You don't give that type of deal to a quarterback you don't plan on keeping. Which is what makes this all so interesting. When asked how he would handle the remaining three games in the 2015 NFL season, Harbaugh was quick to say that he would put the best team out on the field, but that this gives the coaches an opportunity to see what they have moving forward.
Let’s get out there and see how good you can get – how well you can play – for the next three weeks of the season, because our ending point this year is our jumping off point next year. In my mind, next year’s season has already begun. We’re developing these guys. We’re developing what we’re going to be next year, so let’s go, man. Let’s see how good we can get.
With three active quarterbacks on the roster for the first time in quite a while, and only one of them having a deal in place for 2016, it will be interesting to see who gets the call to go under center for the remainder of the season. Though Clausen played well against the Seahawks and Schaub could be reasonably healthy enough to start, could the Ravens turn to Mallett the rest of the way in order to give him more meaningful snaps in preparation for 2016? It certainly sounds like Harbaugh left that door wide open.