Lamar Jackson's need for a new contract extension has loomed over the Baltimore Ravens' offseason. Thankfully, for Ravens fans, Jackson has made it clear that he wants to stay in Baltimore.
And without a doubt, the Ravens' offseason sends Lamar a message: we are committed to building a Super Bowl-winning roster around you.
Hopefully, this can speed up the extension process. It's possible more time is still needed, though, these extension conversations can be grueling even if there's mutual interest in a new deal. Regardless, make no mistake: the Ravens' offseason is a major commitment to winning with Jackson.
The Baltimore Ravens' offseason gives Lamar Jackson the support he needs to succeed
Frankly, the Ravens didn't put Lamar in a position to succeed last season. Most notably, the coaching staff, offensive line, wide receiving core, and defense weren't up to par.
The Ravens got a new coaching staff with Jesse Minter, Declan Doyle, and Anthony Weaver. Minter is a defensive guru, while Doyle has a ton of upside and can maximize Jackson's passing abilities.
Baltimore's wide receiver upgrades weren't flashy, but drafting Ja'Kobi Lane in the third-round and Elijah Sarratt in the fourth-round gives Jackson two high-upside big-bodied receivers.
More importantly, the Ravens upgraded what was arguably the league's worst guard duo in Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees. Veteran John Simpson and first-round rookie Vega Ioane should be two game-changing additions for Jackson. Sure, losing Tyler Linderbaum hurts, but the Ravens' late offseason signing of Ethan Pocic ensures that Lamar has a solid starting center. Signing Pocic solidified the Ravens' exceptional offseason.
The Ravens' defensive upgrades aren't insignificant either. By adding Trey Hendrickson, Calais Campbell, and Zion Young, the Ravens bolstered their front seven in a massive way. Having an elite pass rusher in Hendrickson is especially crucial. Plus, they added Jaylinn Hawkins to their secondary. With an improved defense, Lamar shouldn't be overly dependent on big scoring games, and he should be given better field position.
On all fronts, the Ravens' offseason gives Jackson exactly what he needs to win at the highest level.
It's entirely possible that Lamar looks at the Ravens' immense improvement and is more eager to sign a long-term extension before the season starts. Ravens fans can at least be hopeful about this possibility.
Worst-case scenario, these talks drag into next offseason, but the Ravens' revamped roster should make them primed for a highly successful season, making their pitch to Jackson more enticing.
Whether it ends up happening before the season or not, the Ravens' stellar offseason makes it more likely that Lamar will stay in Baltimore long-term, and that's great news.
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