Ravens' 2026 season will be defined by 1 key thing

Lamar holds the key in 2026.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 6:31pm

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The Baltimore Ravens are entering a new era with Jesse Minter taking over as head coach, but the team's success will still hinge on the performance of star quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens need a fully healthy Jackson to play all 17 games in 2026 and bounce back from a down 2025 season to give the franchise the best chance at making the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Ravens' failure to make the playoffs in 2025 likely led to the coaching change, and new head coach Jesse Minter will be under pressure to deliver results immediately. The team's success is directly tied to Lamar Jackson's ability to return to MVP-caliber play after a subpar 2025 season.

The details

The Ravens need to reduce Jackson's $74.5 million salary cap number and build the offense around him. Jackson is coming off a 2025 season in which he had 2,549 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, both of which were his lowest since 2022.

  • The Ravens' new coaching staff will look to build a scheme around Jackson ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' star quarterback who is entering a crucial 2026 season after a down year in 2025.

Jesse Minter

The new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, taking over for John Harbaugh.

John Harbaugh

The former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who was replaced by Jesse Minter.

Steve Bisciotti

The owner of the Baltimore Ravens.

Jamison Hensley

An ESPN reporter who wrote about the Ravens' offseason priorities.

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What they’re saying

“Baltimore's priority is reaching a new contract with Lamar Jackson and getting the two-time NFL MVP back on track on the field.”

— Jamison Hensley, ESPN reporter

“The first issue is reducing Jackson's $74.5 million salary cap number, and owner Steve Bisciotti spoke to Jackson about the urgency to create more cap room before the start of free agency in March.”

— Jamison Hensley, ESPN reporter

What’s next

The Ravens will need to work on reducing Lamar Jackson's salary cap number and building a scheme around him ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Ravens' success in 2026 will hinge on Lamar Jackson's ability to return to MVP-caliber play after a down 2025 season. The team's new coaching staff will be under pressure to get the most out of their star quarterback and lead the team back to the playoffs.