Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore has sparked plenty of conversation this offseason - but former NFL safety Ryan Clark isn’t buying into the idea that the Ravens are ready to move on from their franchise quarterback.
During a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Clark pushed back hard against Cam Newton’s suggestion that Jackson could be traded if things don’t improve in Baltimore. Newton, pointing to the team’s recent struggles, said that if changes aren’t made, “yes, [Jackson] will be gone.”
Clark wasn’t having it.
“Here’s why that’s crazy,” he said. “Lamar Jackson has been Lamar Jackson no matter who coaches.
The reason John Harbaugh is gone is because everyone realizes Jackson’s greatness - his skills, his talent, even his ability to lead and galvanize players. Lamar Jackson ain’t going nowhere.”
It’s a strong stance, but one that echoes the sentiment many around the league share: Jackson is the Ravens’ cornerstone. And unless his health becomes a long-term issue, the organization is going to build around him - not move on from him.
Baltimore made a seismic shift earlier this week, parting ways with John Harbaugh after 18 seasons and an 8-9 finish in 2025. Harbaugh didn’t stay unemployed for long - he’s already been hired by the New York Giants to replace Brian Daboll. But back in Baltimore, the focus turns to how the franchise can retool around its most important asset: Lamar Jackson.
Jackson missed four games this past season due to injury, and his absence was felt. In the 13 games he did play, he threw for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns - solid numbers, though not quite the MVP-level production we’ve come to expect from him.
Still, his overall body of work speaks for itself. Since being drafted 32nd overall in 2018, Jackson has led the Ravens to six playoff appearances, racked up 22,608 passing yards and 187 touchdowns, and added another 6,522 yards and 35 scores on the ground.
That’s elite company - and it’s why Clark emphasized that the Ravens’ next coaching hires must be made with Jackson in mind.
“The most important hire to me is not head coach then quarterback,” Clark said. “It’s head coach, then offensive coordinator. Who is going to lead Lamar Jackson?”
That question is already front and center in Baltimore. The Ravens officially named Jesse Minter as their new head coach on Thursday, promoting the former defensive coordinator to the top job. Now, the spotlight shifts to the offensive side of the ball - and specifically, who will take over as offensive coordinator.
Todd Monken held the role for the past three seasons, but the Ravens’ offense never quite found its rhythm under his watch. This season, the unit ranked 16th in total offense, averaging 332.2 yards per game and scoring 48 touchdowns. Monken has reportedly been exploring other opportunities, including multiple interviews with the Cleveland Browns and emerging as a top candidate to join Harbaugh’s new staff in New York.
That opens the door for a new voice to take over the offense - and Lamar Jackson reportedly has someone in mind.
According to NFL insider Diana Russini, Jackson and his receivers have expressed interest in Kliff Kingsbury as the team’s next offensive coordinator. Kingsbury, who spent the past two seasons as the OC for the Washington Commanders, recently parted ways with the organization after a 5-12 campaign. Despite the struggles in D.C., Kingsbury still carries a reputation for innovative offensive schemes and quarterback-friendly systems - qualities that could appeal to a player like Jackson.
“I know for a fact that Lamar Jackson and those receivers would like Kliff Kingsbury to run their offense,” Russini said. “They’ve shown support.
They’ve been vocal about it. They’ve been part of some of these interviews.”
It’s clear that whoever steps in as OC will need to be aligned with Jackson - not just in terms of X’s and O’s, but in vision and communication. The Ravens have a generational talent under center, and their next moves will determine whether they can maximize his prime or waste it chasing the wrong fit.
As Ryan Clark pointed out, Jackson’s not the problem. He’s the answer. And if Baltimore gets this next hire right, they might just remind the rest of the league how dangerous they can be.