Ravens Signing Skylar Thompson: What the Veteran QB Brings to Baltimore’s Deep Depth Chart

The Baltimore Ravens are making a quiet but strategic move at the quarterback position. According to a report from NFL Network on Monday, the Ravens are expected to sign veteran quarterback Skylar Thompson to their 90-man offseason roster. The addition of Thompson gives Baltimore a fifth signal-caller heading into training camp, a clear signal that the front office is prioritizing competition and insurance behind two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.

At first glance, adding a quarterback with just 10 career games and three starts might seem like a depth filler. But for a team that has consistently valued athleticism, arm talent, and system familiarity, Thompson represents a low-risk, high-upside flier. Let’s break down what this signing means for the Ravens, where Thompson fits in the pecking order, and what his past performances tell us about his potential in Baltimore.

Breaking Down the Ravens’ Quarterback Room

The Ravens currently have a crowded quarterback room. Beyond Jackson, the team has retained veteran backup Tyler Huntley, who re-signed with the team earlier this offseason. Huntley has been a reliable No. 2 for Baltimore, starting games in Jackson’s absence and even leading the team to a playoff win in 2022. However, Huntley’s own injury history and inconsistency as a passer have left the door open for competition.

Joining Huntley and Thompson are two undrafted rookie free agents: Diego Pavia (New Mexico State) and Joe Fagnano (UConn). Both players are developmental prospects who will likely battle for a practice squad spot. Thompson, at 28 years old, brings a level of professional experience that neither rookie possesses.

Here’s a quick look at the current QB depth chart:

• Lamar Jackson – Two-time MVP, franchise cornerstone
• Tyler Huntley – Veteran backup, familiar with the system
• Skylar Thompson – New veteran addition, 10 career games
• Diego Pavia – UDFA rookie, dual-threat ability
• Joe Fagnano – UDFA rookie, strong arm from UConn

This depth chart suggests that Thompson is being brought in to compete directly with Huntley for the primary backup role. If Huntley struggles in training camp or suffers an injury, Thompson could easily slide into the No. 2 spot. More importantly, Thompson’s familiarity with a pro-style offense—having played under Mike McDaniel in Miami—could make him a quick study in coordinator Todd Monken’s system.

Skylar Thompson’s NFL Journey: From Seventh-Round Pick to Veteran Insurance

Thompson entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (No. 247 overall) by the Miami Dolphins in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was viewed as a developmental prospect out of Kansas State, where he showcased solid decision-making and mobility. In Miami, Thompson was thrust into action as a rookie when both Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater were injured. He started three games in 2022, going 1-2 as a starter, but showed flashes of poise under center.

Over his two seasons with Miami (2022-2023), Thompson completed 58.7% of his passes for 721 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in 10 games. His numbers are modest, but context matters: he was playing behind a banged-up offensive line and without the full complement of Miami’s star receivers in several of those starts. His lone touchdown pass came in a 2022 loss to the New England Patriots, but he also showed a willingness to scramble, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Thompson’s 2024 season was a lost year. He spent most of the campaign on injured reserve with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who signed him to their practice squad in October. He was elevated to the active roster in December but never saw game action. The Steelers ultimately let him walk in free agency, leaving Thompson searching for a new home. Baltimore’s signing gives him a fresh start and a chance to prove he belongs on an NFL roster.

What makes Thompson intriguing to the Ravens? His athletic profile. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, he has a sturdy frame and enough mobility to operate play-action boots and zone-read concepts—a staple of Baltimore’s offense. While he’s not Lamar Jackson in the open field, he’s a capable runner who can extend plays. This fits perfectly with the Ravens’ scheme, which often asks quarterbacks to move the pocket and make throws on the run.

Expert Analysis: Why This Move Makes Sense for Baltimore

From a strategic standpoint, the signing of Skylar Thompson is a classic Ravens move. General manager Eric DeCosta has always valued competition at every position, and the quarterback room is no exception. With Jackson set to play a full season after a healthy 2024 campaign, the Ravens need a backup who can step in and win games if the MVP goes down. Huntley has proven he can do that, but his ceiling is limited. Thompson offers a different skill set—one that might be more conducive to Monken’s vertical passing attack.

Consider this: In Miami, Thompson worked in an offense that emphasized pre-snap motion, play-action, and deep shots. That’s exactly what Monken wants to do in Baltimore. While Thompson’s arm isn’t elite, he has enough velocity to push the ball downfield. His 2022 tape shows he can hit intermediate routes and throw with anticipation. The question is consistency. In his three starts, Thompson threw three interceptions, including a costly pick-six against the San Francisco 49ers. But he also showed resilience, bouncing back from bad plays to lead scoring drives.

Another factor: Thompson’s age. At 28, he’s still young enough to develop, but he’s also experienced enough to handle the mental load of an NFL playbook. He won’t be intimidated by the bright lights of a playoff push. If the Ravens need him to start a game or two, he can manage the game and avoid catastrophic mistakes—something Huntley has struggled with at times.

I predict that Thompson will push Huntley hard in training camp. The Ravens have a history of keeping three quarterbacks on the active roster, especially if one is a developmental project. Thompson could easily be the No. 3 quarterback on the 53-man roster, with Huntley as the primary backup. But if Thompson outplays Huntley in preseason games, don’t be surprised if he earns the No. 2 job outright. The Ravens value mobility and arm strength, and Thompson offers both in a package that’s more polished than the undrafted rookies.

What This Means for the Ravens’ 2025 Season

The immediate impact of this signing is minimal. Thompson will likely spend the spring and summer learning the playbook and building chemistry with wide receivers like Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and tight end Mark Andrews. However, the long-term implications are more significant. By adding a veteran with starting experience, the Ravens are insulating themselves against the injury bug that has plagued their quarterback room in recent years.

Jackson missed 10 games in 2021 and 2022 due to various injuries, though he played all 17 games in 2023 and 17 of 18 in 2024. Still, the Ravens know that one hit can change a season. Huntley has been a capable fill-in, but he’s also missed time with injuries. Thompson gives Baltimore a third option who has actually started NFL games—something the undrafted rookies cannot claim.

From a roster-building perspective, this signing also sends a message to the rest of the league: the Ravens are not resting on their laurels. Even with a two-time MVP under center, they are constantly looking to upgrade every position. Thompson may never see the field in a regular-season game, but his presence in the quarterback room will push Huntley to be better and provide valuable mentorship to Pavia and Fagnano.

One final thought: Thompson’s experience in Miami’s offense under Mike McDaniel could be a hidden gem. McDaniel’s system is heavily influenced by the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, which shares similarities with Monken’s scheme. Both offenses rely on play-action, misdirection, and layered route concepts. Thompson’s ability to process information quickly and make pre-snap adjustments should translate well to Baltimore. If he can show that in training camp, he could become a valuable trade chip for a quarterback-needy team down the road.

Strong Conclusion: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Flier

The Ravens signing Skylar Thompson is a textbook example of how to build a championship roster. It’s not a splashy move that will dominate headlines, but it’s a calculated one that addresses a critical need: quarterback depth. Thompson has the arm, the mobility, and the NFL experience to be a reliable backup in a system that fits his strengths. He may never be a star, but he doesn’t need to be. He just needs to be ready if called upon.

For Thompson, this is a golden opportunity. After a lost season in Pittsburgh, he gets to compete for a job in one of the league’s most stable organizations. For the Ravens, they get a veteran who can step in and win games without forcing a complete overhaul of the offense. And for fans, it’s another reason to feel confident that the team is prepared for any scenario in 2025.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the quarterback room in Owings Mills. Lamar Jackson is the star, but Skylar Thompson might just be the insurance policy that helps the Ravens make a deep playoff run. Don’t sleep on this signing—it could pay off in a big way.

Source: Based on news from Deadspin.

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