It’s not a dream, Baltimore. Lamar Jackson is still a Raven.
No, seriously. It’s finally done.
On May 4th, Jackson signed a 5-year contract with the Ravens, for a total value of $260 million, which includes $185 million worth of guaranteed money. The deal includes two void years (2026-27), but also includes $80 million of cash due in 2023.
This contract is a fair deal for both sides. In most negotiations, it’s actually a good sign when both parties have to concede either on some initial bargaining piece or on a desired timeline for completion, because that displays balance, and thus, a deal more likely to be sustained.
Think to yourself: after all that waiting, if either side made major concessions in the name of impatience, what good would that have done? Similar to the way the Orioles are rebuilding their franchise, the whole point of doing things this way is to do them the right way.
Now with Jackson in the fold for the near future, the team can move forward with full confidence. Moreover, there’s no more reason for hesitance from free agent receivers. Current Ravens approaching contract decisions can also have hope as their franchise quarterback has declared he wants to finish his career with this team.
When a team surveys their championship chances, there are a few core factors to consider. First of all, they have to be good. No team has ever won the Super Bowl with bad football players. Secondly, the team needs to be cohesive. If they’re just a collection of individuals, no measure of success will last. Lastly, a talented team should be operating on a multi-year vision. If the system in place is too narrow-minded or top-heavy, it can lead to unnoticed decay that ends up reversing all the team’s progress.
Given the team’s core players, motivation from two consecutive years of injury-laden disappointment, and refreshed vigor, they truly are on the short list of teams that can expect to compete for the Super Bowl this year and in the years to come.
Vegas oddsmakers agree. Currently, the Ravens are +1800 to win Super Bowl LVIII, which ranks 8th in the NFL and 5th in the AFC. Obviously, if Baltimore is going to accomplish anything of significance, Lamar Jackson needs to remain healthy for the duration. If he gets hurt and misses substantial time for the 3rd year in a row, it will just be more of the same. I like Tyler Huntley, but he’s not Lamar.
Besides quarterback play, other elements relevant to success in the NFL that the Ravens have are a strong offensive line, a sound running game, a fast and diverse defense, an exceptional special teams unit, and veteran coaching.
To my surprise, Ronnie Stanley has come back and stayed back. Full disclose, I was fairly pessimistic of him being able to return and play well. To his credit, though, he fought and fought and is now back on track toward playing his A-game. Left guard is more of an unknown rather than a concern. Tyler Linderbaum at center performed very well in his first season and, I think, will take a huge leap this year on his way to being an All-Pro caliber player by the end of his first contract. Kevin Zeitler is as good and as dependable as they come at right guard, and at right tackle, Morgan Moses has settled in and looks to have another couple of good seasons left.
When thinking about the Super Bowl, it’s not the Ravens offensive line starters that concern me, but their depth could be an issue. Save for Patrick Mekari, most of their current backups are unproven. Ben Cleveland, Daniel Faalele, and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu are their top reserves, but are all so young. It’s certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Similar to the quarterback situation, the Ravens running backs have the potential to be the best unit at that position in the league. They just need to stay healthy. If so, I have no doubt they will collectively rank in the Top 5 of yards per touch.
On the other side of the ball, the Ravens return a fast, physical, multiple defense—a defense that may still regain the services of Marcus Peters. The linebacker and defensive back rooms were supplemented well by draft picks, but the defensive line, usually the best unit on the team, may struggle without Calais Campbell. Like their offensive counterparts, Baltimore defensive linemen are very good at the starting level, but their depth and experience will be thoroughly tested. Thankfully, Baltimore has always produced top-notch defensive line talent—coaches and players—even if fans weren’t familiar with them at first.
Do I even need to mention the special teams? Expect them, once again, to finish 1st in the league. They’re that elite. Nothing to worry about here.
Lastly, we get to coaching. John Harbaugh is entering his 16th season in charge of the Ravens, out-tenured only by Bill Belichick (24th season with the Patriots) and Mike Tomlin (17th season with the Steelers). To be in charge of one team for that long soothes nerves and solves problems. He clearly has an idea of how he wants the team to play, the support of Steve Bisciotti, and the respect of his players.
The only big question on this front is how (quickly) will Todd Monken adapt to his news players, and vice versa. I don’t expect the offense to really get going until October, but Monken doesn’t strike me as someone who will get overwhelmed. He seems like he has a plan and contingencies ready to go. Honestly, I can’t wait to see how he coaches the Ravens offense.
Most of this team is ready to win now. If there are problem areas to come, it’s likely they come from lack of depth along the lines of scrimmage and a lack of sustained health. That said, the Ravens have drafted linemen over the last two years and have completely re-vamped their strength and conditioning program. In other words, they’ve known these issues could come to pass and have initiated a plan for how to solve them.
Besides the Chiefs and Eagles, there aren’t many franchises that would be a favorite against the Ravens on a neutral field. It’s very possible all three units (offense, defense, special teams) finish in the Top 10 this season. Not many clubs can say that.
At the end of the day, though, regardless of the schedule, scheme, etc., the Ravens chances to win a Super Bowl rest on the shoulders (and feet) of one man: Lamar Jackson.
Something tells me that’s the way he likes it.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.