The Baltimore Ravens took great pains to keep quarterback Lamar Jackson happy after missing the playoffs last season. The Ravens decided new leadership was needed, firing Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh. (Harbaugh went on to take a head coaching job with the New York Giants while offensive coordinator Todd Monken became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.) Baltimore hired Jesse Minter as head coach and Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator. Receiver Zay Flowers, one of Jackson's favorite targets, signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with $108 million guaranteed.
More News: Kirk Herbstreit Calls Out Notre Dame for ‘Embarrassing’ Schedule More News: Three Teams That Can Win the Big 12 During an appearance on ESPN's "First Take" on Friday, Donte Whitner suggested Jackson, who is under contract through the 2027 season, could look for an exit if he has another rough season in Baltimore. The NFL saw a similar divorce in January when the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott after losing to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. The Bills wanted to make a change, hoping to get Josh Allen to the Super Bowl.
Jackson, a two-time MVP, has made the AFC championship once since he was taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 for the 2023 season. Earlier in the week, Whitner predicted the Ravens would make the Super Bowl, noting that the defense has solid pieces to work with under a defensive-minded head coach. How far the Ravens go this season will be on the offense.
Doyle will be in his first season calling plays. The pressure will be on Jackson to deliver. If Baltimore doesn't make the Super Bowl, Jackson could test the market for an easier path to win a championship.
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