Ravens Face Jackson Contract, Center Issues After 2025 Season

The Ravens had a 65-12 record when Lamar Jackson's passer rating was over 75, but struggled in late 2025 games, losing 26-24 to the Steelers.
By Newsroom | NFL, Baltimore |

The Baltimore Ravens face significant hurdles as the team seeks to solidify its future, with key concerns revolving around quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract extension, the identification of a starting center, and the team's overall performance trajectory following a disappointing 2025 season. This period of uncertainty comes as Jackson enters the final two years of his current deal, fueling ongoing discussions about a potential extension. The search for a reliable center appears to be a persistent challenge, with the current starter potentially on another team's roster.

Jackson himself has expressed enthusiasm for continuing his work with the team, a sentiment echoed by those around him. However, the team's performance in the latter half of the 2025 season, marked by a series of road games and a late-season slump, has raised questions about their ability to "save their season," as noted in mid-December 2025. A crucial statistic highlighting Jackson's impact indicates the Ravens' strong record – 65 wins and 12 losses – when his passer rating exceeds 75. Yet, this past season saw the team fall short in critical matchups, including a narrow 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Offseason Scrutiny for Ravens Leadership

The disappointing conclusion to the 2025 season has intensified scrutiny on both Lamar Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh. As Harbaugh enters the final year of his contract, his future with the team, now in its 18th year under his leadership, is also under review. This follows a season where the Ravens secured only one playoff victory in their previous seven seasons, impacting player evaluations and market value, particularly for those facing contract decisions.

Past Collusion Allegations Cast Shadow

Further complicating the landscape are lingering implications from a past collusion dispute. An ex-NFLPA leader, DeMaurice Smith, has criticized 31 teams for their failure to make offers to Lamar Jackson. This stems from a ruling that, while siding with the league in a collusion case concerning fully guaranteed contracts, acknowledged league officials had encouraged owners to limit such deals. The ruling did not support the NFLPA's claim of collusion, but the underlying sentiment of discouraging guaranteed contracts has been noted.

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Defensive Strategies and Jackson's Impact

Teams continue to grapple with strategies to contain Jackson's unique offensive capabilities. In a notable September 2025 matchup against the Detroit Lions, the defense largely managed to keep him contained, a testament to the difficulty of neutralizing his dual-threat prowess. Looking ahead to potential playoff rematches, such as an "epic rematch" against the Buffalo Bills in January 2025, defensive priority is placed squarely on limiting Jackson's impact, recognizing him as the primary threat.

Background

The Baltimore Ravens, an established AFC North powerhouse with two Super Bowl titles, are known for their strong defense and dynamic offense. However, recent seasons have presented challenges in consistently translating that potential into deep playoff success. The team's operations are headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with ongoing efforts to build on their historical achievements and pursue another championship.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the main problems for the Baltimore Ravens right now?
The Ravens are dealing with big issues like Lamar Jackson's contract, which needs a new deal as he has two years left. They also need to find a starting center for the team.
Q: Why is Lamar Jackson's contract a big deal?
Lamar Jackson is a key player, and the team wants him to sign a new contract. He has said he wants to stay, but talks are ongoing as his current deal is ending soon.
Q: What happened in the 2025 season that caused these problems?
The Ravens had a bad end to the 2025 season, losing important games, especially on the road. This led to questions about the team's future and the coach's job.
Q: How did Lamar Jackson perform when he played well in 2025?
When Lamar Jackson played well, with a passer rating over 75, the Ravens had a great record of 65 wins and 12 losses. However, they lost close games like 26-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Q: What is the situation with the head coach and other players?
Head coach John Harbaugh is in the last year of his contract, and his future is also being looked at. The team's recent playoff success has been low, impacting player values.
Q: Are there any past issues affecting the team?
Yes, there were past claims about teams not offering Lamar Jackson contracts, which was linked to a dispute about fully guaranteed deals. This has created some background concern.