The Ravens are kicking the tires on some familiar names as they look for some backup quarterback competition for Tyrod Taylor this summer.
The most intriguing name on the list is Kyle Boller, who was, of course, formerly the starting quarterback in Baltimore. Jason La Canfora of NFL.com report that Boller and Dennis Dixon will work out for the team on Thursday. His colleague Albert Breer adds Curtis Painter to the list of those vying for a chance in Charm City.
Boller was the 19th overall pick of the 2003 Draft, but never developed into the quarterback the Ravens were hoping he’d become. He started 34 times in his first three years with the club, but a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness led the team to acquire Steve McNair before the 2006 season. Boller stuck around for two years as a backup and wound up back in the starting job for the 2008 season before a preseason injury led him to the injured reserve and a ticket out of town. He’s backed up in St. Louis and Oakland since then, starting on occasion and doing little to burnish his reputation.
Dixon started three games in his four years with the Steelers, including the first two games of the 2010 season before a torn meniscus landed him on injured reserve. He’s flashed some potential as a dual-threat quarterback, but the Steelers have shown no interest in bringing him back for another year. Painter started eight times for the Colts last season, throwing nine interceptions and six touchdowns before losing the job to Dan Orlovsky. The Colts waived him in March.
The team is thought to be high on Taylor, but they’re clearly looking to bring in some competition to make sure he earns the backup spot this summer.