Lamar Jackson is coming off yet another standout season, showcasing why he’s consistently in the NFL MVP conversation. Fresh off a career year, Jackson has solidified his place among the elite quarterbacks of the league, dazzling fans with his dynamic play since he first stepped onto the NFL stage.
However, the winds of change could be approaching for Jackson and the Ravens. By 2025, there’s a possibility Jackson might be donning colors other than the iconic purple and black of Baltimore.
So, what’s on the horizon for the Ravens? The immediate focus is clear: it’s a win-now situation for this franchise.
Key players like Mark Andrews, Derrick Henry, Ronnie Stanley, and Marlon Humphrey aren’t getting any younger, and their window for snagging another Super Bowl is narrowing. Coach John Harbaugh recently inked a fresh three-year deal, which comes with the expectation of delivering on the field.
Yet, the spotlight is shifting. While Harbaugh faces pressure, so too does Lamar Jackson, who must guide the team to success as much as he navigates the gridiron.
Jackson’s stats don’t just talk; they shout. Having just thrown for a career-high 4,601 passing yards and 45 touchdowns, with a mere five interceptions, it’s crystal clear that his arm is just as lethal as his legs.
The dual-threat quarterback added another 1,035 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to his tally, reinforcing his reputation as a player who can hurt defenses in multiple ways. But despite his jaw-dropping numbers, there’s a lingering elephant in the room: postseason performance.
Jackson’s impressive regular-season exploits have yet to translate into the Ravens’ ultimate aim—a Super Bowl appearance. With a playoff record of 3-5, the road to football’s biggest stage remains elusive.
This season, under the guidance of offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the Ravens’ attack showed glimpses of potential but still lacks a definitive identity. Adding to the complexity is Jackson’s occasional absence due to illness, disrupting the team’s rhythm and consistency at critical times. Additionally, turnovers have occasionally been Jackson’s Achilles heel, with costly fumbles dragging the team down when they need him at his best.
The pace of growth for both Jackson and the team is crucial. As other quarterbacks around the league, like Josh Allen, secure substantial contract renewals—Allen’s being a hefty $330 million with $250 million guaranteed—it becomes imperative for the Ravens to see continued development from their star if they are to commit similarly.
If playoff disappointments persist and the team continues to fall short of their Super Bowl aspirations, Baltimore may have to confront a tough decision: is their ceiling already met with Lamar Jackson at the helm? The 2025 season may be pivotal for shaping the future of the Ravens and Jackson’s legacy in Baltimore.
