Posted on Jan 05

Ravens' Jackson finishes season with losing record, teammates still confident in him

Posted Jan 5, 2026

Lamar Jackson's performance this season has raised questions about his future with the Baltimore Ravens, despite his undeniable talent and the backing of teammates.

Why it matters: As the two-time NFL MVP navigates a challenging season, discussions surrounding his contract and long-term viability as the franchise quarterback are intensifying.

Jackson finished the season with a 6-7 record, marking his first losing record in eight years, coupled with career lows in passing yards (2,549) and rushing yards (349).
His substantial salary cap figure of $74.5 million looming for 2026 adds urgency to both his performance and contract negotiations.

What’s new: Recent comments from Jackson and players like Patrick Ricard and Roger Rosengarten indicate strong support for the quarterback amidst these challenges.

Ricard stated, "As long as we have Lamar Jackson, I feel like this team can win a Super Bowl," highlighting the belief in Jackson's capacity to lead the team effectively.
Rosengarten praised Jackson’s leadership, recounting a moment before a crucial fourth quarter: "Let's be legendary. That's exactly what he did."

By the numbers: Jackson's statistical drop-off this year is notable, even as his late-game heroics remain impressive.

In a recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he threw two touchdown passes of over 50 yards in the fourth quarter, becoming only the second player in NFL history to achieve such a feat.
Despite struggling early in that game, Jackson completed 6 of 8 passes for 172 yards in the final moments, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Yes, but: While Jackson’s talent is unquestionable, concerns linger about his durability and consistency following an injury-plagued season.

He missed four games due to injury, which raised doubts about his physical readiness moving forward.
His performance this year may prompt the Ravens to reconsider their offensive strategy and dependency on Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities.

Our thought bubble: The Ravens face a pivotal moment regarding their offensive identity, balancing between traditional schemes and leveraging Jackson's unique skill set.

Center Tyler Linderbaum emphasized Jackson's extraordinary abilities, stating, "He's the most electrifying player there is in this game." This points to a need for the Ravens to design plays that maximize Jackson's strengths while mitigating risks associated with his style of play.

What’s next: The Ravens must navigate contract discussions with Jackson while also addressing team needs in the off-season.

With other key players emerging, like rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, who caught two touchdowns in that same game, the Ravens' focus will likely shift towards building a more robust supporting cast around Jackson.

The bottom line: Jackson remains a critical component of the Ravens’ aspirations, but his recent struggles and the upcoming financial commitments will significantly influence the team's direction.

As Jackson himself noted after a disappointing loss, "I'm not even thinking about that right now," indicating his focus on immediate performance rather than contract discussions. This suggests a delicate balance between personal ambitions and team goals as the Ravens look to reclaim their competitive edge.

Ravens' Jackson finishes season with losing record, teammates still confident in him

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 5, 2026

Lamar Jackson's performance this season has raised questions about his future with the Baltimore Ravens, despite his undeniable talent and the backing of teammates.

Why it matters: As the two-time NFL MVP navigates a challenging season, discussions surrounding his contract and long-term viability as the franchise quarterback are intensifying.

Jackson finished the season with a 6-7 record, marking his first losing record in eight years, coupled with career lows in passing yards (2,549) and rushing yards (349).

His substantial salary cap figure of $74.5 million looming for 2026 adds urgency to both his performance and contract negotiations.

What’s new: Recent comments from Jackson and players like Patrick Ricard and Roger Rosengarten indicate strong support for the quarterback amidst these challenges.

Ricard stated, "As long as we have Lamar Jackson, I feel like this team can win a Super Bowl," highlighting the belief in Jackson's capacity to lead the team effectively.

Rosengarten praised Jackson’s leadership, recounting a moment before a crucial fourth quarter: "Let's be legendary. That's exactly what he did."

By the numbers: Jackson's statistical drop-off this year is notable, even as his late-game heroics remain impressive.

In a recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he threw two touchdown passes of over 50 yards in the fourth quarter, becoming only the second player in NFL history to achieve such a feat.

Despite struggling early in that game, Jackson completed 6 of 8 passes for 172 yards in the final moments, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Yes, but: While Jackson’s talent is unquestionable, concerns linger about his durability and consistency following an injury-plagued season.

He missed four games due to injury, which raised doubts about his physical readiness moving forward.

His performance this year may prompt the Ravens to reconsider their offensive strategy and dependency on Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities.

Our thought bubble: The Ravens face a pivotal moment regarding their offensive identity, balancing between traditional schemes and leveraging Jackson's unique skill set.

Center Tyler Linderbaum emphasized Jackson's extraordinary abilities, stating, "He's the most electrifying player there is in this game." This points to a need for the Ravens to design plays that maximize Jackson's strengths while mitigating risks associated with his style of play.

What’s next: The Ravens must navigate contract discussions with Jackson while also addressing team needs in the off-season.

With other key players emerging, like rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, who caught two touchdowns in that same game, the Ravens' focus will likely shift towards building a more robust supporting cast around Jackson.

As Jackson himself noted after a disappointing loss, "I'm not even thinking about that right now," indicating his focus on immediate performance rather than contract discussions. This suggests a delicate balance between personal ambitions and team goals as the Ravens look to reclaim their competitive edge.