John Harbaugh Shuts Down Rumors, Reaffirms Strong Relationship with Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh made it crystal clear on Wednesday: there’s no rift between him and quarterback Lamar Jackson. The veteran coach pushed back hard against a recent column that questioned Jackson’s maturity and even floated the idea of trading the former MVP. For Harbaugh, the accusations weren’t just off base-they were flat-out false.
“I don’t know where it’s coming from,” Harbaugh told reporters. “I’ve never seen that ever. That’s not something I’ve ever witnessed, and I’m in every meeting.”
The comments came in response to a report that claimed Harbaugh had grown "tired" of Jackson and that the quarterback had fallen asleep during a team meeting-an anecdote that raised eyebrows and stirred up a whirlwind of speculation. But Harbaugh wasn’t having it. He dismissed the report’s anonymous sourcing and took the opportunity to publicly stand by his quarterback.
“If I have something to say to one of my guys, I’ll say it to them. Everyone in the building knows that,” Harbaugh said.
“That’s not true. Our relationship is A-plus.”
That last part wasn’t just coach-speak. According to Harbaugh, he and Jackson had a “great conversation” earlier that same morning as the star quarterback continues to rehab a back injury suffered during the Ravens’ Week 16 loss to the Patriots.
Whether Jackson will be ready to play in Saturday’s matchup against the Packers remains uncertain. If he’s not, backup Tyler Huntley is expected to get the nod.
Harbaugh’s message was clear: there’s no internal drama, no behind-the-scenes tension-just a quarterback and a coach working toward the same goal.
“I love him. Always have, always will,” Harbaugh said. “I know he’s fighting like crazy to get back.”
Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Lamar and the Ravens?
While Harbaugh’s comments were meant to shut down the noise, questions about Jackson’s long-term future in Baltimore aren’t going away anytime soon.
Jackson’s contract situation looms large. In 2026, his cap hit jumps to a staggering $74.5 million.
That number isn’t sustainable, and the Ravens know it. They’ll need to either restructure the deal-likely by extending him-or explore trade options.
And while Jackson holds a no-trade clause, meaning he’d have to approve any move, the very fact that this is a conversation shows how high the stakes are.
Two-time MVPs don’t just grow on trees, and Jackson has been the face of the franchise since his breakout in 2019. But with a 3-5 playoff record and lingering questions about his durability and leadership, there’s a growing sense around the league that Baltimore could be approaching a crossroads.
Still, the idea of the Ravens moving on from Jackson feels, at best, premature. This is a player who, when healthy, is one of the most electric talents in the league.
He’s a nightmare for defenses, a playmaker who can flip a game in a single snap. And despite the noise, he’s still very much the heartbeat of this Ravens team.
Playoff Push Still Alive
The Ravens, currently sitting at 7-8, are still clinging to postseason hopes. If they win out and the Steelers (9-6) stumble down the stretch, Baltimore could sneak into the playoffs. That’s not an easy path, but it’s not impossible either.
And that’s why Harbaugh’s focus is squarely on the field-not on anonymous reports or trade rumors.
With the season on the line, the Ravens need clarity, unity, and leadership. Harbaugh knows that. And by publicly backing Jackson, he’s sending a message not just to his quarterback, but to the entire locker room.
Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore may be a topic for the offseason. But right now? The Ravens still have games to win-and Harbaugh’s making sure the outside noise doesn’t get in the way.