FOOTBALL: Lack of contract extension does not faze Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

Two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson admitted that the hamstring injury he suffered early last season continued to affect him throughout the year, contributing to one of the most difficult campaigns of his career with the Baltimore Ravens.

Jackson spoke publicly on Wednesday following his second organized team activity (OTA) practice of the offseason. His previous media appearance came after Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a short field goal that would have sent Baltimore into the playoffs.

The 2025 season proved frustrating for Jackson, who missed four games because of injury. He finished with a career-low 349 rushing yards, was sacked a career-high 2.77 times per game, and failed to reach the postseason for the first time in eight seasons.

Jackson revealed that despite returning for the final nine games of the season, the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions never fully healed.

A major offseason shake-up also changed the landscape in Baltimore. Longtime Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was dismissed after the season and later joined the New York Giants.

“I got a lot of respect for Coach. I was shocked in a way,” Jackson said regarding Harbaugh’s departure. “I feel like Mr. Steve did what was best for the team. I hope Coach has a great time in New York. Hats off to Coach because we did so much for the city, the team and this organization.”

The Ravens hired former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as the franchise’s fourth head coach. Minter also brought in 30-year-old Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator.

Although Jackson did not participate in last week’s OTAs, he said he has already had several discussions with Minter and Doyle regarding the team’s new offensive system. The quarterback is expected to play a significant role in shaping the offense.

“All of us are having fun with the new system and what he sees on the field and on film,” Jackson said. He described the atmosphere at the Ravens’ facility in Owings Mills, Maryland, as “a breath of fresh air.”

“It means a lot because I feel like I should know what coach is thinking when he calls certain plays on the field. It sure makes my job a lot easier,” he added.

Minter praised Jackson’s commitment to the team despite ongoing questions about the quarterback’s long-term future in Baltimore.

“Great to see him out there making the plays that he can make,” Minter said.

In March, the Ravens restructured Jackson’s five-year, $260 million contract that he signed in 2022. The move added a void year and lowered his 2026 salary cap hit to $34.39 million.

While both sides have remained quiet regarding a potential contract extension, Jackson made it clear that he still wants to stay in Baltimore.

“Absolutely. I love the Ravens. I love this organization. I love this city,” Jackson said. “This is the team that drafted me. I love Baltimore. Everyone should know that by now.”

— Field Level Media/Reuters