The Ravens’ Most Serious Recent Error: A Deep Dive
The Baltimore Ravens, one of the NFL’s most successful franchises in recent years, have often been praised for their consistency, organizational stability, and ability to build competitive teams. However, like every team in professional sports, they are not immune to errors. Among these mistakes, some are more impactful than others, shaping the trajectory of the team’s future success or failure. Arguably, the most serious recent error made by the Ravens organization centers around their handling of Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations.
While the Ravens have made several noteworthy missteps in terms of player decisions, coaching strategies, or roster management, none have had the same combination of high stakes, long-term ramifications, and internal friction as their struggles with Lamar Jackson’s contract. The error is not necessarily in choosing not to sign Jackson early—there were, of course, valid reasons for taking a cautious approach—but rather the prolonged inability to reach a deal that fully recognizes Jackson’s value. This blunder, if left unresolved, could cost the franchise dearly, potentially leading to a painful breakup with their franchise quarterback and the loss of one of the most electrifying talents in the NFL.
The Rise of Lamar Jackson
To understand the magnitude of the error, it’s crucial to first revisit Lamar Jackson’s journey and his undeniable contributions to the Ravens’ success. Jackson was drafted by Baltimore in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the 32nd overall pick. Despite his Heisman Trophy-winning college career at Louisville, Jackson fell to the Ravens, as many doubted whether his unorthodox playing style could translate to success in the NFL. His unique combination of arm strength, football IQ, and athleticism made him a perfect fit for the Ravens, who were already known for their strong defense and powerful run game.
In his first season as a starter (2019), Jackson broke out in spectacular fashion. He led the Ravens to a 14-2 record, was named NFL MVP, and set multiple records, including the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a season. His success transformed the Ravens’ offense into one of the most dynamic in the league, and the team’s future looked brighter than ever. Jackson’s ability to evade defenders, create plays with his legs, and improve his passing game made him one of the most electrifying players in the NFL.
Given Jackson’s rapid rise to superstardom, the Ravens were naturally keen on keeping him in Baltimore for the long haul. But the organization faced a major challenge: how to navigate the tricky waters of a contract negotiation with a quarterback who was unique both on and off the field.
The Start of the Contract Saga
Jackson’s rookie contract ran through the 2022 season, and as the end of the contract approached, the Ravens faced a crucial decision: lock up their franchise quarterback to a long-term deal, or wait and see how the next few seasons unfolded. The team decided to take the second approach, unsure about Jackson’s long-term prospects and hesitant to hand out a massive contract to a player who relied heavily on his legs and running ability. The Ravens’ front office seemed to operate on the assumption that Jackson’s success might not be sustainable, particularly considering the injury risk associated with a quarterback who frequently ran the ball.
While it may have been rational to approach the negotiations with caution, this decision turned into one of the Ravens’ most serious recent errors. By not negotiating a contract extension sooner, they allowed Jackson’s market value to balloon even higher. More significantly, the longer the deal was delayed, the more tension built between Jackson and the front office. A contract impasse became inevitable, and both sides became increasingly frustrated.
The Destruction of Trust
By the time the 2022 season rolled around, Jackson had proven that his MVP season was not a fluke. He continued to perform at a high level, though injuries began to mount, especially in 2022 when Jackson missed several games due to a knee injury. Despite this, the Ravens’ hesitation to finalize a long-term deal began to erode the trust between Jackson and the organization. Jackson, by this time, had clearly shown his worth, yet the Ravens continued to refuse to meet his contract demands, which were becoming more in line with what other elite quarterbacks were getting.
The decision not to meet Jackson’s contract demands left the Ravens vulnerable. Jackson’s continued excellence on the field only increased his leverage, and soon other teams began to take note. The contract talks became public, and Jackson’s camp was increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction. This led to a split between Jackson and the Ravens front office that would carry significant ramifications for the 2023 season.
One of the key mistakes here was Baltimore’s failure to recognize that Jackson’s unique skill set required a tailored contract. Traditional quarterback contracts, like those of Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, did not account for the possibility of a dual-threat QB who could change the game with both his arm and legs. Rather than treating Jackson’s contract as a matter of course, the Ravens should have taken the opportunity to negotiate early, leveraging their early confidence in Jackson’s ability and locking up their superstar for the long term before the market became inflated.
The External Pressure and the Consequences
As the 2023 offseason arrived, external pressure mounted. The NFL landscape had shifted in ways that made it more difficult for the Ravens to retain Jackson on their own terms. Notably, the Cleveland Browns handed out a fully guaranteed contract to quarterback Deshaun Watson, setting a new precedent in the league. This development further escalated Jackson’s contract demands, as he rightfully sought similar compensation. Other teams like the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Indianapolis Colts were rumored to be interested in making a play for Jackson, and the Ravens began to worry about the possibility of losing their star.
Had the Ravens acted swiftly and negotiated a contract extension before the market went out of control, they might have been able to sign Jackson to a more favorable deal. Instead, the Ravens allowed the situation to drag on, and as Jackson’s value soared, the team was left in a position where they had to match a market price that was now set by the likes of Watson.
The failure to act early in Jackson’s career left the Ravens in a precarious position. They had to make difficult decisions about the future of the team. Their offense, built around Jackson’s unique skill set, could not easily transition to another quarterback without risking a complete overhaul. The threat of Jackson leaving was real, and the longer the situation dragged on, the more likely the franchise would lose its most valuable asset.
The Solution: Locking in Lamar Jackson
By March 2023, the Ravens finally relented, signing Jackson to a massive five-year contract worth $260 million, including $185 million in guarantees, making Jackson one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. The Ravens had managed to avoid an even more catastrophic outcome—losing Jackson to another team or letting the situation fester and risk division within the locker room. But the prolonged negotiation process and the public squabble over the terms had already created significant damage to the Ravens’ reputation and the relationship between Jackson and the organization.
In hindsight, the Ravens’ most serious recent error was not the eventual signing of Jackson to a long-term contract. It was the failure to lock him in earlier, which created unnecessary tension and left the franchise vulnerable. Had they acted sooner, they might have saved money, preserved internal harmony, and ensured a smoother path toward building a Super Bowl-winning roster around Jackson.
