Intense speculation surrounding the future of star quarterback Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens continues to build, casting a shadow over the team's pivotal final game of the regular season.
Playoff pressure and injury concerns
The Ravens face a winner-takes-all clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, with the victor securing a place in the playoffs. However, Jackson's participation is in serious doubt due to injury. He missed last Saturday's win over the Green Bay Packers with a back problem, adding to the hamstring issues that have troubled him throughout the campaign. His race to be fit for the season-defining fixture is a major storyline.
Coach John Harbaugh stated on Monday that Jackson's status is "to be determined," but confirmed that if the quarterback is ready, he will play. "I saw him here today working at it. I think we’ll know a lot more on Wednesday," Harbaugh said.
Behind-the-scenes tension and trade whispers
This injury drama unfolds against a persistent backdrop of rumours suggesting a fractured relationship between Jackson and the Ravens organisation. A report from The Athletic on Monday quoted an unnamed but "prominent" NFL agent who insisted Jackson will be traded, calling it "the biggest story of the offseason."
Further reports, including one from the Baltimore Sun, claim head coach John Harbaugh has grown "tired" of Jackson's conduct, which allegedly includes falling asleep in meetings after late-night gaming sessions. The same report suggested Jackson would "love to play" for the Miami Dolphins, near his South Florida roots.
The agent question and potential suitors
Adding a unique layer to the saga is Jackson's decision not to employ a traditional agent, representing himself in contract negotiations. An anonymous NFL executive told The Athletic this lack of a buffer is a "big negative," complicating conversations around injuries and other ongoing issues specific to franchise quarterbacks.
Despite the controversies, Jackson would be one of the most sought-after players on the market if made available. Any trade would likely command a significant return for Baltimore, potentially netting at least two first-round draft picks. Jackson's contract is set to make him the NFL's highest-paid quarterback next year at $74.5 million.
For now, all public focus remains on Sunday's must-win game in Pittsburgh. But if Jackson is unable to feature, or if the Ravens' season ends, it could mark the final time he wears the purple and black, turning off-season rumour into seismic reality.
