Analyst reveals why Ravens' 2026 hopes rest solely on Lamar Jackson

Key Highlights

• "The extra time off should do him some good.
• A reworked or extended contract for Jackson — his $74.5 million cap hit would make it nearly impossible for general manager Eric DeCosta to build a playoff-caliber roster around him — would do the Ravens some good. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"When Jackson has been healthy and engaged, the Ravens have been one of the league’s best teams.
• Baltimore’s path back to contention starts with making sure its star quarterback is in peak form physically and mentally."More:Ravens urged to sign Super Bowl champion WR to 'invigorate' Lamar JacksonRavens need total Lamar buy-inLamar getting healthy is job No.
• 1 in the offseason, plus the franchise can't have him missing a day each week of practice. The second is having him buy in mentally. A new coach will certainly provide a sugar hit in that department, but once that hit wears off, Jackson will need to be dialed in on what the coach wants. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhen rolling, there's no denying the Ravens are one of the best teams in football... until they get to the playoffs, but in order for that to happen in 2026, Lamar has to be a better version of himself. And with the right head coach and offensive coordinator, MVP Lamar might be making a return in 2026. More Ravens news:Did John Harbaugh's firing boil down to one play?
• A simple reason Ravens moved on from longtime coachLamar Jackson and John Harbaugh era over as Ravens swing axeRavens' Isaiah Likely makes free agency plans perfectly clearLamar Jackson perfectly sums up Ravens loss to Steelers with 1 word.