Lamar Jackson's Teammates Defend QB amid Criticism, Rumors About Ravens Future

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson received a vote of confidence from multiple teammates despite the team finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs.

"I think as long as we have Lamar Jackson, I feel like this team can win a Super Bowl," fullback Patrick Ricard said Monday, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "I guess the biggest thing is he makes this thing go."

Ravens offensive linemen Roger Rosengarten and Tyler Linderbaum pointed to Jackson's performance in the Week 18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two-time MVP finished 11-of-18 for 238 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

His 50-yard TD pass to Zay Flowers exemplified what makes him special.

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"He's the most electrifying player there is in this game," Linderbaum said. "Shoot, I cut a nose guard loose and he somehow slipped out of it and threw the ball 80 yards for a touchdown. That's the kind of ability he has."

Rosengarten explained how Jackson helped set the tone for Baltimore's comeback attempt.

"Right before we went out [in the fourth quarter], and he's like, 'Let's be legendary,'" the second-year tackle said. "That's exactly what he did. He's the best in the NFL."

The Ravens and Jackson are approaching an important offseason.

The 28-year-old counts for $74.5 million against the salary cap in 2026 and 2027, so the team will need to bring that figure down. Simply restructuring his deal would help to achieve that. Baltimore could also extend him beyond 2027, which would come at a significant cost.

The Ravens' inability to get over the hump and reach a Super Bowl is raising questions over whether they need to change the head coach, the starting quarterback or both.

Jackson has also had to dispute one report claiming that coach John Harbaugh has "become tired" of him behind the scenes.

Based on his teammates' remarks, his support within the locker room hasn't eroded, and that may be instructive in forecasting how the next few weeks and months unfold.