Intense speculation surrounding the future of star quarterback Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens shows no sign of abating, even with a season-defining playoff clash just days away.
Injury Cloud Over Critical Steelers Showdown
Jackson is now in a desperate race to be fit for Sunday night's winner-takes-all encounter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The victor will secure a place in the NFL playoffs. The quarterback has contended with hamstring problems throughout the season, but a back injury forced him to miss the Ravens' victory over the Green Bay Packers this past Saturday.
When asked about Jackson's fitness on Monday, head coach John Harbaugh stated, "It's to be determined. He’s coming off a very serious injury and he’s working at it. I think we’ll know a lot more on Wednesday." Harbaugh was unequivocal about his selection policy, adding, "If Lamar’s ready to go, he’s playing. That’s it. For sure."
Persistent Rumours of a Fractured Relationship
This injury drama unfolds against a persistent backdrop of rumours suggesting a major rift between Jackson and the Ravens organisation. A recent report in The Athletic quoted an unnamed but "prominent" agent who insisted a trade is imminent. "The biggest story of the offseason is going to be Lamar. That is going to be crazy," the agent claimed.
The report also featured comments from an anonymous NFL executive, who suggested Jackson's decision not to employ an agent has exacerbated tensions. "The fact that Lamar does not have an agent is really a big negative," the executive said. "Who is having the honest conversations? There needs to be a buffer there for that process to work."
Further fuel was added by a Baltimore Sun article alleging that Jackson has been "falling asleep in team meetings" after late-night gaming sessions, and that Harbaugh has grown "tired" of the situation. The same report indicated Jackson would "love to play in Miami", close to his South Florida roots.
High-Stakes Contract and Potential Trade Fallout
The financial and strategic stakes could not be higher. Jackson's current contract is set to make him the NFL's highest-paid quarterback next year, with a colossal $74.5 million salary. Should the Ravens decide to trade the 28-year-old former MVP, they would likely command a significant return, potentially netting at least two first-round draft picks.
Potential suitors are already being linked, with the Miami Dolphins frequently mentioned. The Dolphins' own quarterback situation appears in flux after head coach Mike McDaniel benched Tua Tagovailoa, despite his $212 million contract.
For now, the immediate focus remains squarely on Sunday's must-win game against the Steelers. Jackson's participation is crucial, not just for the Ravens' playoff hopes, but potentially for his own future in Baltimore. If he is unable to play, or if the Ravens' season ends this weekend, it may signal the final chapter of the Lamar Jackson era with the franchise.
