Much of the 2025 season for the Baltimore Ravens could already be labeled as a disappointment — but some reporting on Christmas Eve threatens Baltimore’s fanbase with the ultimate lump of coal. The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston released a story opining on whether or not the Ravens should be looking to trade star quarterback Lamar Jackson amid the backdrop of an injury-riddled season, his age, an ongoing (expensive) contract negotiation, and some unsavory reports of issues behind the scenes.
Preston said the quarterback and team are at a ‘crossroads’. It’s the kind of report that is sure to catch a ton of attention, not only for the content of the story but also for the magnitude of a player like Jackson. The story caught enough traction to get run up the pole to Ravens head coach John Harbaugh on Christmas Eve. And Harbaugh did his best to save your holidays from excessive stress.
John Harbaugh doesn’t want you to ruin the holiday season with latest Lamar Jackson buzz
Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh talks with quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
“We don’t take too much credence in anonymous-type sources. So, I don’t know where that’s coming from. I’ve never seen that ever. That’s not something that I’ve ever witnessed, and I’m in every meeting. And to speculate on how I feel about it – I’ll tell you how I feel; I’m pretty transparent. I think all the guys in the building will tell you if I have something of conversation, something that I want to talk to them about, I’m right up front,” said Harbaugh.
“So, that would be wrong to say that. That’s not true. I had a great conversation with Lamar this morning about a few things and football and how he’s feeling, things like that. So, our relationship is A+. I love him. I always have, always will. I know he’s fighting like crazy to get back. So, anonymous reports or things that get said or written or whatever, I don’t really – I don’t need anybody speaking for me. So, just ask me, and I’ll tell you what I think.”
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On one hand, the details of Preston’s report are still right to rattle the cage of Ravens fans. Perhaps it hits a little harder than it would have if Baltimore were 11-4 and prepping for another crack at a playoff run. Instead, they’re clinging to fleeting hopes of a 9-8 division title this season. And given that the Ravens have twice spoiled being the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC and haven’t won more than a single game in a playoff run since Jackson has been here? These are anxious times.
But let’s look just at the facts. Lamar Jackson is under contract for two more seasons in Baltimore, and the Ravens can execute a basic restructure of his salary to create cap space as needed. The team has also endured a set of contract negotiations with Jackson before. It wasn’t the typical experience. But the deal got done all the same — an agreement that has seen Jackson play his best football on.
Perhaps this relationship will, eventually, reach a critical mass. But in all likelihood that won’t be any time soon. Accordingly, it’s only fair for Ravens fans to take a deep breath, relax, and spend their holidays thankful to have a quarterback like Jackson under contract through 2027. That should be enough for now.
Lamar Jackson’s remaining contract with Baltimore Ravens
$74.5 million salary cap charges in 2026 and 2027
Is owed $104 million in salary over the next two seasons
Holds a full No-Trade Clause
Cannot be franchise-tagged after 2027 season.
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.