Lamar Jackson: The Future of the Ravens at Stake
After a challenging season for star quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens are backing their two-time NFL Most Valuable Player.In a season marked by injuries, where he missed four games, Jackson finished with a losing record (6-7) for the first time in his career. He recorded his lowest numbers in passing yards (2,549) and touchdown passes (21) since 2022, as well as a career-low of 349 rushing yards. Despite this, in the 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jackson came close to leading Baltimore to the AFC North title with an epic comeback. He became the second player in NFL history to throw two touchdowns of over 50 yards in the final quarter. The Ravens’ hope vanished when Tyler Loop’s 44-yard field goal attempt veered off course, eliminating them from the postseason.“I believe that as long as we have Lamar Jackson, I feel like this team can win a Super Bowl. The most important thing is that he makes this work,” stated Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard.
Patrick Ricard
In the first three quarters, Jackson completed 5 of 10 passes for 66 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. In the final quarter, he completed 6 of 8 passes for 172 yards with touchdown passes of 64 and 50 yards to wide receiver Zay Flowers. In that 50-yard touchdown pass, Jackson evaded Keeanu Benton and Alex Highsmith to find Flowers completely alone.“Right before going out [in the last quarter], he said: ‘Let’s be legendary.’ That’s exactly what he did. He’s the best in the NFL,” commented Ravens offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten.
Roger Rosengarten
The Ravens have work to do with Jackson this offseason. His salary cap hit is $74.5 million, which accounts for 25% of Baltimore’s cap for 2026. The team will likely need a new contract with Jackson to reduce that cap impact. When asked if he feels he will stay with the Ravens amid upcoming contract negotiations, Jackson replied: “We just lost a game, a divisional game, a game to get us into the playoffs. I’m not even thinking about that right now, to be honest. I’m still stuck on what just happened. That’s not my focus right now.”“He’s the most electrifying player in this game. I cut a guard and somehow he escaped and threw the ball 80 yards for a touchdown. That’s the ability he has,” center Tyler Linderbaum said.
Tyler Linderbaum
