Ravens preseason finale proves John Harbaugh fumbled this important QB decision

The Baltimore Ravens appeared just about ready to declare veteran Cooper Rush as the winner of their backup quarterback competition, but there was still some time for former sixth-round pick Devin Leary to prove that his stronger arm was worth keeping around in Baltimore as a developmental player.

Leary struggled mightily in the Ravens' first two preseason games, completed just eight passes and showing a genuinely alarming lack of accuracy. Things continued to get worse against the Washington Commanders, as Leary started the game so slowly that he managed just nine yards from his first eight pass attempts.

Despite the 30-3 Baltimore win and Leary's 17-23 statline, he amassed just 71 yards passing while completing most of his passes at or behind the line of scrimmage. He did all of this in front of Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson, who beat Leary out for the backup job last season.

With Leary having failed to take the step forward that the Ravens expected, one might wonder if Eric DeCosta made the right decision parting ways with Johnson for a poor schematic fit in Rush and the still struggling Leary.

Ravens may have made a huge mistake picking Devin Leary over Josh Johnson

Even though Johnson was intercepted in this game, we have nearly two decades of evidence that suggests that he can be a viable backup quarterba ck in the NFL. His ability to make plays with his legs also far exceeds wheat Leary or the plodding Rush can do when the play breaks down.

Leary will turn 26 years old in September, making him older than established veterans like Trevor Lawrence and Brock Purdy. His age makes calling him a "developmental project" a bit of a misnomer. He might be done developing as a professional quarterback at this point.

Not only has Leary removed any possibility of the Ravens carrying him on the 53-man roster as the third quarterback, but even keeping him around as a practice squad quarterback is looking like a bit of a rich investment. Leary just is not meshing with what offensive coordinator Todd Monken wants to install.

Leary was worth taking a chance on after some very productive college seasons at both North Carolina State and Kentucky, but the Ravens now have two years of practice and preseason reps that should tell them that he is likely not capable of running an NFL offense with any degree of competency.