The Ravens officially signed veteran quarterback Ryan Mallett as part of a series of roster moves on Tuesday.
After reports indicated that Mallett would be signed through the 2016 season, the Ravens made the addition official while also announcing the promotions of running back Terrence Magee and cornerback Jumal Rolle to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. To make roster space, Baltimore waived quarterback Bryn Renner and return specialist and running back Raheem Mostert and officially placed defensive end Chris Canty (pectoral) on injured reserve.
Mallett, 27, worked out for the Ravens earlier this month but was not immediately signed as they’ve been forced to turn to Matt Schaub and Jimmy Clausen following Joe Flacco’s season-ending left knee injury last month. Most recently with the Houston Texans, Mallett started four games earlier this season before disappointing play and poor dedication led to him being released.
After losing the starting competition with Brian Hoyer, Mallett missed a team meeting and was finally cut in late October after missing the team flight for a game in Miami. The 6-foot-6 quarterback has a strong arm and was selected in the third round of the 2011 draft by the New England Patriots.
With Flacco unlikely to be ready before training camp, the Ravens are interested in having a backup with more upside to work with the starting offense for spring workouts and possibly the start of training camp next year. Reportedly able to earn up to $2.5 million in 2016, Mallett will need to prove his commitment to maximize his earnings and remain in Baltimore.
In 13 career games (six starts), the Arkansas product has completed 120 of 226 passes for 1,187 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
While the undrafted rookie Magee has bounced back and forth between the practice squad and active roster throughout the season, Rolle represents an interesting option at the cornerback position. At 6-foot and 188 pounds, Rolle appeared in 18 games for the Texans over the last two years and intercepted three passes in 10 games last season.
With head coach John Harbaugh revealing Monday that veteran Lardarius Webb would play in the nickel and at safety for the rest of the season, Rolle and fourth-round rookie cornerback Tray Walker should see some opportunities playing on the outside over the Ravens’ final three games. Second-year safety Terrence Brooks is also expected to be more involved in the secondary.
Baltimore also announced that offensive lineman Marcel Jones was re-signed to the practice squad.
