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Should the Ravens get a new backup quarterback?

Even though Joe Flacco has been relatively injury free and has started every game of his career, the Ravens could want a fresh face holding the clip board during the 2014 season or could be using public statements to drive Taylor to be a better player.

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens have publicly expressed interest in giving backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor some competition this year for his roster spot. Even though Joe Flacco has been relatively injury free and has started every game of his career, the Ravens could want a fresh face holding the clip board during the 2014 season or could be using public statements to drive Taylor to be a better player.

After being drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL draft, Taylor has spent his entire career as a backup to franchise quarterback Joe Flacco. Taylor was given his largest regular season playing time in a 2012 week 17 game against the Cincinatti Bengals as Flacco was rested and would lead the Ravens to lose the contest while throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown. During the final games of the 2013 season, Flacco suffered a knee injury leading to Taylor playing a few snaps in mostly games that were out of hand towards the end of the contest. Most of his meaningful time at quarterback has seen Taylor not play at an expected level even though he hasn't had to come in and be expected to win any games.

The options for replacing Taylor are either through free agency or through drafting a player in May at the 2014 NFL draft. As free agency has gone on, most of the higher caliber quarterbacks have been picked up by teams that have a larger need for competition at the position leaving the Ravens with very few options. In addition to the free agency pool being significantly smaller, the Ravens would also have to pay more this year for a veteran quarterback than the $645,000 Taylor is still making on the last year of his rookie deal, effectively taking money away from other possible signings that could see meaningful snaps in 2014.

The other option would be to draft a player in the later rounds of the 2014 NFL draft, but as the Ravens are without their 7th round pick due to the trade with Indianapolis for center/guard A.Q. Shipley, they are limited in the later rounds with the number of picks they have. The Ravens do have multiple picks in the 3rd and 4th rounds, but using draft picks that high up for a definite backup player is typically not done in the NFL and certainly would be a surprise move for Ozzie Newsome. That leaves the only normal spots as the Ravens 5th and 6th round picks. With holes in a few spots of need, Taylor's contract being cap friendly for this year, and Taylor's knowledge of the coaching staff and players, it might not make the most sense to even draft his replacement.

Do you have confidence in Tyrod Taylor as a backup and if not, what would you do? Fill out the poll below and explain your choice in the comments.