The Baltimore Ravens made a major change this offseason, moving on from longtime head coach John Harbaugh and hiring Jesse Minter. Not long after the decision, attention turned to quarterback Lamar Jackson and whether he would still be in Baltimore when the 2026 season began.
Jackson has spent his entire NFL career with the Ravens, but the coaching change has sparked new questions about his future. Several national analysts have weighed in publicly, while the team has said it wants to keep Jackson in Baltimore for the long term.
NFL Analysts Question Lamar Jackson’s Ravens Future
Speculation picked up during a recent segment on FS1’s “First Things First,” where Nick Wright said Jackson’s situation does not feel as settled as other franchise quarterbacks around the league.
Wright explained that Jackson’s status in Baltimore is not “100% guaranteed” in the same way Josh Allen’s future with the Buffalo Bills or Patrick Mahomes’ standing with the Kansas City Chiefs appears to be.
Chris Broussard took the discussion a step further, suggesting that a potential move to a team like the Miami Dolphins would raise questions about Jackson’s priorities.
“If [Jackson] were to leave the Ravens for Miami, in the state that Miami’s in right now with the Dolphins, or ask for a trade to Miami, you ain’t about winning,” Broussard said. “You are on the cusp of being able to win a Super Bowl and if you don’t it’s on you, it’s on Derrick Henry, it’s on that defense, it’s on that new coach.”
He added, “But if you were to leave a team that’s close to go to Miami, where they aren’t nowhere near close, you want to rack up stats, or you want to enjoy your life in Miami and make a lot of money.”
Former NFL wide receiver Greg Jennings offered a different perspective, pointing to Jackson’s past comments about wanting to bring a Super Bowl title to Baltimore.
Jennings said players are often more loyal to their teams than teams are to players, adding that he believes Jackson intends to honor his commitment to the Ravens and finish what he started.
Mike Florio Floats ‘Fresh Start’ Theory After Jesse Minter Hire
Mike Florio reacts to Baltimore hiring Jesse Minter as the next head coach and what that could mean for Lamar’s future.
(via Yahoo Sports Daily)
NFL insider Mike Florio also weighed in, suggesting Jackson’s future may not be locked in following Baltimore’s decision to hire a defensive-minded head coach instead of an offensive specialist.
Speaking on “Pro Football Talk,” Florio said Jackson could consider moving on depending on how he feels about the new direction.
“I don’t think it’s a given Lamar Jackson is gonna be back with the Ravens,” Florio said. “I think there’s still a chance that Lamar Jackson decides it’s time for a fresh start for him.”
Florio added that Jackson’s reaction to Minter’s hiring could be a key factor.
“We don’t know what he’s thinking,” Florio said. “The threshold question is what does he think about Jesse Minter?”
Minter previously worked with the Ravens from 2017 to 2020, meaning he already has familiarity with Jackson from his earlier time in Baltimore.
Jackson has not commented publicly on the hire and does not have an agent.
Despite the growing speculation, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti made it clear earlier this year that the organization hopes to keep Jackson in Baltimore.
“We want another window, and Lamar knows that,” Bisciotti said via the Ravens website. “I think he is amenable to doing something that mirrors the last deal that he did, although the annual number will be a little higher. But I’m hoping that it’s plug in your number in the same contract he signed [in 2023] and move on.”
NFL Insiders Sound Off on Lamar Jackson After Ravens Coaching Move