The Baltimore Ravens are making a savvy move to bolster their quarterback depth, signing veteran signal-caller Skylar Thompson, as first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. This addition comes on the heels of the team bringing in undrafted rookies Diego Pavia and Joey Fagnano last week, signaling a clear focus on fortifying the position behind superstar Lamar Jackson.
Thompson, 28, entered the league as a seventh-round pick out of Kansas State in 2022 and has since carved out a journeyman's path. After three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, he spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year—though he never saw game action. Now, he'll compete for the third-string role in Baltimore, backing up Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
His most memorable NFL moment came as a rookie, when injuries to Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater thrust him into the spotlight. Thompson started three games that season, including a gritty 34-31 Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs—a performance that showcased his resilience under pressure. However, his playing time dwindled in 2023, and he made just one start the following year after Tagovailoa suffered another concussion. The Dolphins eventually turned to Huntley as their primary backup, and Thompson was waived in December, finishing the season on Miami's practice squad before signing a reserve/futures deal with Pittsburgh.
In Pittsburgh, a strong preseason earned Thompson a spot on the 53-man roster and even positioned him as a potential backup to Aaron Rodgers. But a hamstring injury derailed those plans, landing him on injured reserve in September and keeping him sidelined for the rest of the campaign.
Statistically, Thompson's career numbers are modest: a 58.7% completion rate, a 66.1 passer rating, and just 5.2 yards per attempt. He's a capable athlete but doesn't bring much as a runner or a playmaker outside the pocket. Still, his veteran experience could prove invaluable to the Ravens, offering a steady hand that may be more reliable than developing the raw talents of Pavia or Fagnano. This signing also gives Baltimore flexibility—they could release one of those undrafted free agents while maintaining enough arms for organized team activities (OTAs).
For fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this move underscores the Ravens' commitment to depth and preparation—qualities that translate to every level of the game, from the practice field to game day. Whether you're suiting up for your own backyard match or cheering from the stands, having a reliable backup plan is always a winning strategy.