From Russell Wilson to Jimmy Garoppolo: Ranking the Ravens' potential quarterback options

The Baltimore Ravens entered Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills expecting Lamar Jackson to lead the offense in a critical AFC matchup. Instead, they found themselves confronting a quarterback emergency that could force the front office to look outside the organization for help.

Jackson was ruled out after injuring his right thumb on Baltimore's first offensive snap. The two-time NFL MVP had just returned after missing three games because of an ankle injury, making the setback especially frustrating for a Ravens team trying to regain momentum.

Then the situation became more complicated. Backup Tyler Huntley suffered a toe injury in the first half and was questionable to return, leaving undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano to take over under center. Huntley completed just two of four passes for zero yards before exiting. Suddenly, the Ravens' quarterback depth chart looked like a potential roster emergency rather than a routine injury contingency.

If Jackson's thumb injury forces him to miss additional time and Huntley's toe keeps him from being available, Baltimore could need an experienced quarterback capable of joining the team quickly. Several recognizable names are worth considering, including Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, Andy Dalton, Jake Browning, Kyle Trask and Bailey Zappe. But which one makes the most sense for a team that still has ambitions of competing in the AFC?

Jimmy Garoppolo: The most practical short-term option

Garoppolo stands out as a logical candidate if Baltimore wants an experienced quarterback who can provide stability while Jackson recovers. He has played in multiple offensive systems, has extensive regular-season experience and has appeared in two Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers.

Garoppolo is not a replacement for Jackson's unique running ability or improvisational playmaking. His value would instead come from operating a conventional passing game, getting the ball out quickly and avoiding the mistakes that can turn a difficult injury situation into a season-defining crisis.

The Ravens could lean more heavily on Derrick Henry and their running game, use play-action to create opportunities downfield and ask Garoppolo to make timely decisions rather than carry the offense by himself. That approach would not reproduce everything Baltimore does with Jackson . It could, however, provide a workable temporary plan.

Garoppolo was listed as an unrestricted free agent in 2026, making him one of the more straightforward names to investigate. His health and current readiness would still need to be evaluated before a deal.

Russell Wilson: The biggest name available

Wilson offers one of the strongest résumés among the potential candidates. The former Seattle Seahawks star won a Super Bowl, has played in numerous postseason games and has experience handling the expectations that come with quarterbacking a high-profile franchise.

His ability to move outside the pocket and create opportunities when protection breaks down could also help Baltimore maintain some flexibility if Jackson is unavailable. There are caveats. Wilson is 37, and his recent career has been less consistent than his peak years in Seattle.

His playing style also differs from Jackson's , meaning the Ravens would need to adjust their offense rather than expect the veteran to duplicate the injured starter's production. Still, if Baltimore wants a quarterback who has handled big games and could be asked to start immediately, Wilson deserves serious consideration. He was also listed as an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

Andy Dalton: The experienced insurance policy

Dalton brings one of the longest résumés on this list. The former Bengals quarterback has made 169 regular-season starts and has spent time in several offensive systems during his NFL career. His familiarity with the AFC North is another potential advantage. Dalton spent the first nine seasons of his career in Cincinnati, facing the Ravens and their divisional rivals twice each year.

The challenge is availability. Dalton signed with the Atlanta Falcons in October after being released by the Philadelphia Eagles, so Baltimore would need to acquire him from Atlanta rather than simply sign him off the free-agent market.

His age and limited recent playing time would also be considerations. Nevertheless, Dalton's experience makes him a name worth monitoring if the Ravens decide to explore a trade.

Jake Browning: Familiarity with the AFC North

Browning would be an intriguing option because he has already demonstrated that he can handle an extended opportunity as an NFL starter. With Cincinnati in 2023, he stepped in for Joe Burrow and helped the Bengals remain competitive, showing that he could operate an offense under pressure.

He would also bring familiarity with the Ravens' division and the defensive challenges Baltimore faces throughout the season. However, Browning signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 2026, according to the league's free-agent tracking information.

That means he is not simply available for Baltimore to sign; the Ravens would have to explore a trade or wait for a change in his status. His experience is attractive, but the contractual situation makes him a less immediate option than an available free agent.

Kyle Trask: A developmental alternative

Trask offers a different profile from the veteran candidates. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has spent much of his professional career developing behind established starters rather than accumulating extensive regular-season experience.

He could appeal to a team looking for a younger arm who might benefit from a change of scenery. But Baltimore's immediate circumstances make this a difficult time to prioritize development.

Trask was under contract with Tampa Bay in 2026, meaning the Ravens would need to determine whether he was obtainable. Unless the team sees significant upside in his ability to learn the offense quickly, he would be a riskier short-term choice than an experienced starter.