Could the Baltimore Ravens really lose John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson this offseason?
After 18 seasons as head coach, the Ravens fired Harbaugh for being unable to reach the NFL Playoffs this season. He was the first coach hired, as the New York Giants quickly swooped in and named the Super Bowl winner their next head coach.
This was a move that was thought to appease Jackson, who had regressed during the 2025 season.
But according to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, Jackson’s future in Baltimore could still be up in the air.
“I don’t think it’s a given Lamar Jackson is gonna be back with the Ravens,” Florio said on Yahoo Sports Daily. “I think there’s still a chance that Lamar Jackson decides it’s time for a fresh start for him, too.”
Florio notes that Jackson has a bit of leverage, as he only has two years remaining on his contract with a no-tag clause, meaning that he can just walk away from the organization. While the Ravens prefer to get an extension worked out, Florio suggests that Jackson could prefer to get back to his hometown, Miami, when Tua Tagovailoa’s contract finally expires.
The Ravens replaced Harbaugh with Jesse Minter, who was serving as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Nationally, this hire was applauded as Minter’s defensive-minded approach seemed like a seamless culture fit with the Ravens.
But if Jackson disapproves? Maybe this isn’t the home-run hire that it was thought to be.
Part of the reason why Harbaugh was let go was reportedly due to his unwillingness to part ways with Todd Monken, who was serving as the offensive coordinator with the Ravens. Monken and Jackson didn’t have the closest relationship or tightest bond, but Harbaugh trusted the longtime coordinator and did not want to let him go.
Minter’s most important hire will be Baltimore’s offensive coordinator. However, Florio notes that Jackson’s thoughts about Minter as head coach will carry more weight.
It’s hard to imagine Jackson suiting up for an organization other than the Ravens, but it did feel like these two parties were heading toward a split before the two-time MVP inked his first extension in Baltimore.
Jackson does not have an agent, so it’s oftentimes difficult to read into what he’s thinking. One thing is certain, however.
If the Ravens want to maintain their staying power in the AFC North, they’re going to need Jackson to stop regressing and get back to being one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league.
