The Ravens have signed quarterback Trace McSorley to his four-year rookie deal, the Ravens announced Saturday.
A sixth-round pick from Penn State, McSorley becomes the fifth player in the Ravens 2019 draft class to sign, joining cornerback Iman Marshall, running back Justice Hill, defensive tackle Daylon Mack, and guard Ben Powers who signed Friday. The only unsigned draft class rookies are the Ravens' top three picks wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood'' Brown (first round), outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson (third round), and wide receiver Miles Boykin (third round).
McSorley is competing for a backup quarterback spot behind Lamar Jackson and Robert Griffin III, but McSorley could also earn a roster spot on special teams and as a versatile situational offensive player. Head Coach John Harbaugh has mentioned the possibility of McSorley filling a similar role that backup quarterback Taysom Hill fills with the New Orleans Saints.
"One of the things that I want to do here is just provide value for anything that the coaching staff needs me to do or Coach Harbaugh asks me," McSorley said. "Wherever I can fit in and help this team win games and be able to compete at the highest level, I think that's kind of my mentality and that's what I want to do. I'm definitely excited to try and see what else I can do out there and get on the field anywhere I can."
While McSorley is an all-around athlete, he is also eager to prove he throws the ball consistently enough to be an effective NFL quarterback. He will use any criticism about his ability to play quarterback in the NFL as motivation.
"People say certain things that … '[He's] not an elite passer'," McSorley said. "Everyone has their own opinion at the end of the day, so they're entitled to that. But, I'll agree to disagree on those things, and I'll just use that to fuel me."
