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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson drops back against the New England Patriots.
ESPN has revealed the Baltimore Ravens‘ ‘biggest question’ ahead of the 2026 offseason.
For one, it’s contract season for Lamar Jackson. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley detailed how Jackson and the Ravens need to get a deal done this year.
“Baltimore needs to get a new deal done with Jackson to lower its $74.5 million salary cap number and create between $25 million and $30 million in cap space. This will allow the Ravens to address their offensive line and Jackson’s targets in the passing game.” Hensley wrote in the article.
During an end-of-season press conference, owner Steve Bisciotti expressed how he wanted to get a deal done with Lamar Jackson before the start of free agency.
“Owner Steve Bisciotti said last month that he wants a new deal with Jackson finalized before the start of free agency (March 11) because the quarterback’s $74.5 million cap hit would hinder the Ravens’ financial flexibility.” Kevin Eck wrote in a Baltimore Ravens article.
Lamar Jackson Needs to Be Protected Better
The Baltimore Ravens were the favorite in many people’s eyes to win the Super Bowl in 2025. Primarily due to health, the Ravens could not live up to those expectations.
The Ravens are expected to focus on protecting Lamar Jackson. This is something they struggled to do in 2025.
“Last season, Jackson was sacked on 9.8% of his dropbacks, the worst rate of his career. Baltimore will look to re-sign Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who is the team’s top free agent, and upgrade at both starting guard spots.” Hensley wrote.
Offensive Lineman Daniel Faalele did not have a great season. He allowed 30 pressures, four sacks, and three quarterback hits in 2025. According to Sports Illustrated, the chances of Faalele returning to the Ravens are ‘pretty slim’.
“Faalele is going to be a free agent for the Ravens, and the possibility of him returning is pretty slim. Baltimore will either add a replacement guard via free agency or the draft or let Emory Jones Jr. take over in 2026.” Anthony Miller wrote in the SI article.
With Faalele on his way out of the door, it’s imperative for Baltimore to clean up the guard spots.
The Baltimore Ravens Need to Improve Pass Game
“The Ravens also need to help Jackson in the passing game, where he had only one target average over 25 yards receiving per game (wide receiver Zay Flowers).” Hensley wrote.
Zay Flowers has established himself as the Ravens’ number one wideout. The first-round draft pick in 2023 caught 86 passes in the 2025 season. Flowers ranked 7th in total receiving yards with 1,211.
While Flowers has shown his impressive capabilities, the Ravens have struggled to find consistency alongside Flowers. After the season Rashod Bateman had with the Ravens in 2024, many thought he would take a step forward in 2025.
It never happened.
Bateman only had 19 receptions for 224 yards in the 2025 season. While injuries played a role, he played in 13 of the Ravens’ 17 games in 2025.
Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins was not much help. The former All-Pro caught 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns in the 2025 season.
The Baltimore Ravens will have many decisions to make this offseason. The theme of this offseason will be to make sure Lamar Jackson gets paid. Second, the Ravens have to get more help for Lamar Jackson.
DeonTay Smith is a journalist who covers the NFL for Heavy.com with a focus on the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and the Baltimore Ravens. A graduate from Methodist University, Smith also covers local news for the Panama City News Herald and hosts his own YouTube podcast. More about DeonTay Smith
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