The undrafted backup who rose from the practice squad to the Pro Bowl
In short: In the high-stakes world of the NFL, most players dream of being the starter. For Tyler Huntley, the journey involved being an undrafted free agent, navigating practice squads, and stepping in for superstars like Lamar Jackson to prove his worth on the biggest stages.
Tyler Huntley's professional trajectory is a study in persistence. Following his time at Utah, where he guided the Utes to back-to-back Pac-12 South Division championships from 2018 through 2019, Huntley joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2020. His early career was defined by his role as a backup to Lamar Jackson, frequently moving between the active roster and the practice squad due to injuries and COVID-19 issues within the team. Before entering the professional ranks, he was recognised as the Florida Gatorade Football Player of the Year during his senior year of high school. He also played alongside his former high school teammate, Zack Moss, while competing for the University of Utah.
Despite a relatively small sample size of four games as a starter, Huntley's impact was significant enough to earn him a Pro Bowl selection in 2023. This selection, made as an injury replacement for Josh Allen, sparked debate among analysts due to his modest regular-season statistics. However, his ability to perform under pressure was evident during his time in Baltimore, including a game-winning drive against the Denver Broncos in 2022. His versatility was highlighted during his time in Baltimore when he led a crucial last-minute touchdown drive to secure a victory over the Chicago Bears. He also demonstrated his dual-threat potential by recording multiple rushing touchdowns during his early appearances.
Huntley's career has seen him navigate multiple organizations, including stints with the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns. By 2025, he returned to the Ravens, eventually securing a two-year contract extension worth up to $11 million with incentives. His career is marked by a dual-threat capability, having accumulated 9,053 passing yards and 106 touchdowns, alongside significant rushing contributions throughout his tenure in the league. His professional journey also included a stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2024. Later, he signed with the Cleveland Browns before returning to the Ravens to secure his future with the franchise.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Tyler Huntley
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