The Baltimore Ravens are beginning a new era as the franchise will begin to move in a different direction.
Nonetheless, according to ESPN, the Ravens 2026 season will be ‘all about Lamar’ Jackson.
After Super Bowl 60, ESPN released their early 2026 power rankings. For the Ravens, Lamar Jackson will be a huge part to their success.
“Baltimore’s priority is reaching a new contract with Lamar Jackson and getting the two-time NFL MVP back on track on the field.” Jamison Hensley said in the ESPN article. “The first issue is reducing Jackson’s $74.5 million salary cap number, and owner Steve Bisciotti spoke to Jackson about the urgency to create more cap room before the start of free agency in March.”
Lamar Jackson is the Key Piece to the Baltimore Ravens’ Success
Lamar Jackson being a key piece to the Baltimore Ravens should come to no surprise. He is a two-time MVP with one being won unanimously.
One could argue that the Baltimore Ravens are a completely different team with Jackson on the field. He has been the focal point and heartbeat of the Baltimore Ravens since 2018.
Injuries played a role in the Ravens’ lack of success during the 2025 season. Lamar Jackson missing a few games early in the season hurt the franchise’s chances at the playoffs.
Even when Lamar Jackson played during the season, many questioned if he was healthy of not. Jackson did not have many fully participated in practices all year long dealing with multiple injuries (toe, ankle, back, knee). He missed four games due to injuries.
Baltimore needs the two-time MVP to be on the field to succeed. Not only does Jackson have to be on the field, but he also has to play well for the Ravens to go far.
The Baltimore Ravens’ Lack of Playoff Success
Many have criticized Lamar Jackson for not being his best self in the playoffs. Many opinions vary, but collectively the Ravens suffered some heartbreaking losses over the years.
The Baltimore Ravens, under Lamar Jackson, have had the number 1 seed in the AFC twice, but no Super Bowl appearances to show for it.
In 2019, Jackson was a unanimous MVP and Baltimore earned the 1 seed in the AFC. In the same year, the Ravens suffered a loss to the Tennessee Titans in the divisional round. In 2020, they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. In 2022, the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the wild card round.
In 2023, Lamar Jackson won the MVP for a second time. The Ravens would then suffer a heartbreaking loss in the AFC Championship to the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2024, the Ravens lost again in the divisional round to the Buffalo Bills. In 2025, Baltimore missed out on the playoffs due to a Tyler Loop missed field goal in the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, the Baltimore Ravens are under new headship with head coach Jesse Minter. Minter will hope to get the franchise over the hump with a new coaching staff. If Lamar Jackson can stay healthy, the Ravens could be destined for success in 2026.
“Baltimore’s new coaching staff will look to build a scheme around Jackson, who is coming off 2,549 passing yards and 21 touchdowns — both of which are his lowest since 2022. The good news: Jackson has won NFL MVP the past two times Baltimore hired a new offensive coordinator.” Hensley wrote.
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