The Baltimore Ravens have shown a "significant amount" of interest in free agent quarterback JaMarcus Russell, according to Mike Garafolo of USA Today. Garafolo reports that the Ravens haven't confirmed a workout with Russell, but that the team would be interested in scheduling one if Russell does not sign with the Chicago Bears.

Russell has a workout with the Bears, who are likely considering him to serve as a backup to starting quarterback Jay Cutler.

Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta has spoken positively about Russell in the past, suggesting that Russell would likely get a shot at redemption. It wasn't known at the time that the Ravens would be interested in giving him a look, however.

Russell is attempting an NFL comeback after being out of the league for three years. Russell struggled with the Oakland Raiders after being selected first overall in the NFL draft, and he flamed out after just three seasons. He was consistently regarded as having a lacking work ethic, as evidenced by the fact that he ballooned up to 300 points near the "end" of his career.

He's been making progress on a comeback attempt for the last several months, and has reportedly shed a great deal of weight, setting his sights on his playing weight in the NFL -- around 265 pounds.

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