The Baltimore Ravens are staring down a critical decision with quarterback Lamar Jackson this offseason. The two-time MVP carries a $74.5 million cap hit, and as the team tries to build a stronger team around him in 2026, they must significantly diminish that number.
That will come with a contract extension for Jackson. He undoubtedly deserves a new deal and will likely become the league’s highest-paid player when the smoke clears. Unfortunately, though, the offseason hasn’t been clear from trade rumors, especially after late-season reports signaled a strained relationship between Jackson and the team.
However, Baltimore fired John Harbaugh this offseason and hired Jesse Minter. They are clearly trying to build this team around Jackson. And for any people still doubting Jackson’s future in Charm City, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo made sure to put those questions to rest.
“I know the speculation has begun. Could the Baltimore Ravens potentially trade Lamar Jackson? No. Not feeling that,” Garafolo said. “Lamar Jackson was part of the head coaching process; he was on the virtual interviews with head coaching candidates. He was consulted for the offensive coordinator job, which went to Declan Doyle. Steve Bisciotti, the owner, loves him. Add all that up, and folks would be flabbergasted if the Ravens potentially moved on from him.”
Ravens focused on building for Lamar Jackson's future in 2026
Minter made it known when he was first hired that one of his highest priorities was building a stronger unit around Lamar Jackson. Everyone knows this team revolves around him. In 2025, the Ravens didn’t do that. That’s poised to change in 2026.
It all starts with ensuring he has better protection from the offensive line. The offensive tackle duo of Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten is more than fine, and Rosengarten should blossom in his third year. Center Tyler Linderbaum leads the interior and should be retained, but the offensive guard play MUST improve.
Guards Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees were a disastrous duo last season. There shouldn’t be a world where either should be starting in Week 1 next year. 2025 third-round pick Emery Jones Jr. will likely replace Vorhees on the left side, leaving a vacancy on the right where Faalele resided.
The Ravens should look to the free agent market to find Faalele’s replacement. Veterans like Kevin Zeitler or Joel Bitonio could attach a band-aid to the wound, providing near Pro Bowl-caliber play next year. However, the team may look for a longer-term solution, and guys like Wyatt Teller or Alijah Vera-Tucker could be that.
It doesn’t stop there. Jackson also needs wide receiver help. Two-time Pro Bowl wideout Zay Flowers was lethal last year, totaling 86 receptions, 1,211 yards, and six touchdowns. The issue was that there wasn’t a true number two.
While Rashod Bateman was supposed to be that after signing an extension last offseason, he fell far short of expectations. In addition to that, he caused some drama on social media this offseason. His future in Charm City may be in question, and a replacement could be on the way.
If the Ravens opt to get aggressive at the wide receiver spot, that could come early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt or Washington’s Denzel Boston could make a lot of sense given their supreme abilities to win contested catch opportunities. That’s the exact kind of player Lamar Jackson has lacked throughout his NFL career, and it’s time to address that need.
Ultimately, as long as Jackson is healthy, it seems this offense can operate at an extremely high rate. He’s won an MVP with less talent at his disposal. But if Baltimore wants to capture a Super Bowl with Jackson under center, they’ll need to address those crucial needs.
Safe to say, Jackson is trending toward being a Raven for life.