The Baltimore Ravens are heading into the offseason with a clear mission: avoid a repeat of 2025's disappointments. Missing the playoffs after a rocky start was a tough pill to swallow, especially as key players departed and only Trey Hendrickson was added to the roster. The Ravens are now counting on internal growth and a fresh coaching perspective to turn things around.
Under John Harbaugh, the Ravens have flirted with Super Bowl glory but have struggled to seal the deal over the past decade. Enter new head coach Jesse Minter, whose task is to breathe new life into the team. The spotlight, however, remains firmly on one player: Lamar Jackson.
Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame highlights Lamar as the linchpin for the Ravens' resurgence in 2026. He notes, "Another team with a new coach, and the Ravens’ top eight players are as good as anybody’s in the NFL. If Lamar Jackson is healthy, this is a dangerous team."
The pressure on Lamar Jackson is immense, and for good reason. He's been battling injuries over the past couple of seasons, and staying healthy is crucial. When he's on the field, the expectation is clear: lead the Ravens not just to the playoffs, but all the way to the Super Bowl.
Lamar, much like his counterpart Josh Allen, has yet to experience the NFL's ultimate showdown. The Ravens are eager to capitalize on Lamar's prime years, making 2026 a pivotal season with plenty of pressure to go around.