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Lamar Jackson
QB · BAL

Lamar Jackson

Position QB
Team BAL
Bye Week 13
PPR Rank #28

Lamar Jackson

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: BAL.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: BAL (Baltimore Ravens)
  • Bye week (2026): 13
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 28

2026 Outlook

ESPN #5 QB ranking, improved passing noted (July 13): ESPN's executive/coach/scout rankings place Lamar Jackson at #5 overall, with coaches noting significant improvement in his passing game despite the down 2025 season. One NFL defensive coach noted: "What's so impressive is he has gotten better as a passer. He's more of a complete passer. It's impressive. I really didn't respect the passing game as much before in his career, but the last time we played him, he was much better. He can dice you up." Jackson led the NFL in yards per completion at 13.3 in 2025, and his 2024 marked his first 4,000-yard passing season, suggesting sustained progress in the passing dimension. However, his 2025 rushing decline and persistent injury concerns (hamstring, back, knee, ankle, toe) pushed him down from the top three, where he ranked the prior year. (per Execs, coaches, scouts rank top NFL quarterbacks for 2026)

FantasyPros flags injuries and declining rushing production as the primary concern for Jackson's 2026 fantasy value. After finishing QB1 in fantasy scoring in 2024, Jackson cratered to QB20 in 2025 (QB16 in fantasy points per game) due to a hamstring injury (missed 3 games), back injury (1 game), and secondary injuries to knee, ankle, and toe. Most alarmingly, his rushing workload collapsed: in his first six seasons as starter, Jackson averaged 10 rushing attempts and 63 yards per game; in 2025, that dropped to just 5.2 attempts and 26.8 yards per game. With new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle (29 years old, former Bears assistant under Ben Johnson) taking over, there's optimism Jackson can return to form with better health, though the injury track record is worrisome. (per Best Quarterbacks for Fantasy Football 2026)

ESPN's early 2026 MVP rankings place Jackson second overall, behind only Josh Allen. Analyst Seth Walder acknowledges the uncertainty from the down 2025 season and new OC: "He's coming off a down season, and a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle means more uncertainty. But if Jackson is healthy, there's every reason to believe the two-time MVP can reach the mountaintop again." This placement reflects confidence that improved health and a fresh offensive scheme under Doyle can restore Jackson to MVP-caliber performance in 2026 (per 100 days to the 2026 NFL season: Predictions, injuries, more).

From a draft strategy lens, Jackson pairs with Josh Allen as one of the elite "Diamond Club" QB options, positioned among the most expensive quarterback selections. The justification is clear: of the top-six quarterbacks in rushing yards in 2025, three finished in the top-five in fantasy points per game overall. Jackson's rushing production—historically 10+ attempts and 60+ yards per game—is a multiplier that most passing-only QBs can't match, making his premium cost defensible relative to positional scarcity. However, like all elite QBs, the fantasy advantage per pick spent is lower than the gaps at RB or WR, so landing him requires conviction that rushing value is repeatable (per 2026 Fantasy Draft Strategy Guide: Quarterbacks).

The Ravens open 2026 with a favorable strength of schedule in Weeks 1–4: Colts (mobile QB-friendly), Saints, Cowboys, and Titans. Jackson should have strong early-season opportunities to rack up passing yards and rushing yards against softer defenses before facing tougher competition (per 2026 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Teams to Target, Fade). As a two-time MVP, Jackson remains the primary reason for Baltimore's 2026 optimism under first-time HC Jesse Minter; team's playoff chances hinge on Jackson staying healthy and executing in crucial moments. Improved defense under Minter (top-5 unit potential) should take pressure off Jackson in close games (per Ravens reason for 2026 optimism not centered on Lamar Jackson).

Pass protection improvements are a key focus entering 2026. The Ravens allowed 45 sacks in 2025 under former OC Todd Monken, leaving Jackson exposed and contributing to his hamstring injury woes. New offensive line additions (Vega Ioane at guard, Ronnie Stanley returning from injury) plus retained RT Roger Rosengarten should provide better protection. With more 11-personnel packages and quicker pass development under new OC Declan Doyle, Jackson should see fewer five-step drops and more time in the pocket (per Ravens' Roger Rosengarten is ready to raise the standard in 2026).

New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle (former Chicago Bears OC) emphasizes building trust with Jackson through time and mutual respect. Doyle sees Jackson as having a "growth mindset"—hunger to learn and improve despite already playing at elite levels. Doyle is focused on improving his consistency with eyes and footwork within the new system while reducing Jackson's reliance on scrambling and improvisation. The Ravens' new offense will feature more structured play-action looks (similar to Doyle's work with Caleb Williams), though Jackson will still have freedom to "put the cape on and be Superman" on key plays. This strategic shift aims to optimize efficiency while reducing hit count and injury risk (per What we learned from new Ravens coordinators: Lamar's room for growth and a defense to be feared). Doyle also set championship standards for voluntary OTAs, expecting players to show up despite their optional status, signaling an intent to build early chemistry and commitment under the new regime. (per New Ravens OC Declan Doyle Opened Up About Establishing Trust With Jackson)

At minicamp, Jackson acknowledged the significant learning curve: the new system features extensive terminology with minimal carryover from the previous offense, and he's working as hard as he did during his rookie year to master the concepts. Jackson said he's "being challenged right now" and that Doyle uses "expletives" to make his point—something Jackson said he "wasn't used to." However, Jackson said he's "a coachable player" and values Doyle's ability to see things he doesn't, and vice versa. (per Lamar Jackson being 'challenged' by new offense, Declan Doyle) Doyle brings a proven track record of developing young receiving talent, as evidenced by Colston Loveland's postseason rookie TE record under him in Chicago. Ravens rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (Round 3, 80 overall) and rookie TE Matthew Hibner are positioned to benefit from this expertise, with Doyle expected to place Lane in high-leverage red zone opportunities early in the season. The Ravens' 2026 draft class emphasized skill position depth—three straight receivers/tight ends in Rounds 3-4 (Lane, Elijah Sarratt, Matthew Hibner)—designed to execute Doyle's big-body receiver offensive philosophy and create target variety for Jackson (per Declan Doyle helped Caleb Williams, and now he can help Ja'Kobi Lane and Cowboys 2026 opponent preview: Baltimore Ravens).

With an "embarrassment of riches" in receiving talent including veteran RB Derrick Henry alongside his elite passing weapons, Jackson's upside under Doyle remains among the league's highest, provided health holds (per 10 first-year NFL coordinators under most pressure in 2026).

Jackson is identified as a top bounce-back candidate for 2026 after a disappointing 2025. The leg injuries that cost him a month—particularly a hamstring strain in late September—sapped his athleticism, the core of his fantasy value. He finished QB20 overall despite playing 13 games, and more troubling, QB16 in per-game scoring suggests even when healthy mid-season he wasn't at peak form. With a full healthy offseason and new offensive coordinator bringing a system that reduces scrambling, Jackson is expected to return to MVP-caliber performance (per 2026 Fantasy Football Bounce-Back Candidates: DJ Moore Will Find New Life Paired With Josh Allen).

Before injury, Jackson was performing at elite levels: he averaged 27.0 fantasy points per game in Weeks 1–3 (QB1), with 240.7 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, and 39.3 rushing yards per game. Post-injury from Week 9 onward, he dropped to 13.7 FPPG as the QB19, with his rushing workload cut in half (designed rush rate fell from 16% to 8%) and increased scramble restrictions. Matthew Berry's analysis flags the 2026 season as his bounceback year: a clean bill of health and uptick in pass volume from new OC Doyle position Jackson for QB1 contention (per Fantasy Football Bounceback Candidates For 2026: Expect An Elite Lamar Jackson - Matthew Berry's Fantasy Life).

Contract uncertainty and trade speculation: As of June 2026, Jackson and the Ravens remain at an impasse on a contract extension. Unlike Patrick Mahomes, who received a massive extension in 2026, Jackson's extension talks have stalled, with no progress reported after leaving minicamp in June. Multiple NFL executives and agents expect Jackson may eventually request a trade if negotiations drag on. This mirrors 2022, when Jackson requested a trade during stalled extension talks before ultimately signing a five-year, $260M deal shortly before the draft. Jackson's contract situation is complicated: he holds a no-tag clause and his cap hit balloons to $84.3M in 2027. The fundamental issue remains unclear, but Jackson (who represents himself) and the Ravens remain uncommitted to a long-term partnership beyond 2026 (per Multiple NFL Execs Expect Lamar Jackson To Eventually Request Trade).

Trade market interest (June 2026): The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly expressed willingness to trade for Jackson if Jalen Hurts underperforms in 2026. With Hurts facing locker room friction and being blamed for the Eagles' 2025 shortcomings, GM Howie Roseman is keeping his QB options open. While a Ravens trade of Jackson remains unlikely, the interest signals growing concern around the league about Hurts' trajectory and renewed confidence that Jackson—a two-time MVP—could become available at the right price, particularly if his contract extension remains unresolved (per Eagles linked to former MVP QB to replace Jalen Hurts).

Doyle's offensive philosophy emphasizes the quick-passing game with screens and short passes designed to open downfield shots, a significant shift from Todd Monken's scheme. This approach—featuring pre-snap motion and misdirection (borrowed from Chicago's 2025 playbook)—should reduce Jackson's time to throw and lower his hit count, a major health benefit given his 2025 hamstring issues. The Ravens ranked 29th in pace; Doyle's scheme is expected to increase it. Jackson will still have "Superman" freedom on key plays but should see more structured looks and quicker releases, optimizing efficiency while minimizing injury risk. (per Baltimore Ravens: Jesse Minter, Declan Doyle & 2026 Fantasy Football Impact).

June 27 update – Legacy perspective: Jackson stated he doesn't think about his legacy yet, saying he focuses on being the best player he can be on the field in each moment. He noted he'll probably start thinking about legacy when considering retirement, not before. As a 29-year-old two-time MVP without a Super Bowl win, Jackson has time to shape his legacy (per Lamar Jackson: I won't think about my legacy until I start thinking about retiring).

Vikings Territory ranked Jackson #3 overall among all 2026 NFL starting QBs, acknowledging the 2025 regression while emphasizing that "with a game on the line, he just has to be a Top 3 selection." This reflects confidence in his ability to elevate in high-pressure moments despite the off-year. (per The NFL's 32 Starting Quarterbacks Ranked from Worst to Best).

SI 2026 QB rankings comparison (May 2026): SI's analysis vs. Josh Allen flags Jackson as a riskier 2026 pick despite elite upside. The critical concerns: recurring injury history (missed games three times in five years, early 2025 hamstring injury limiting him to 9 playable fantasy games), declining rushing explosiveness (only 4.0 yards per rush in final nine 2025 games; no 20+ yard rushing plays in 2025 after reaching that threshold 51 times in prior seven years), and new Ravens offensive system requiring learning curve. While new OC Declan Doyle and improved pass protection may restore Jackson to MVP form, SI analyst recommends waiting on summer reports before committing to him at current ADP (~41 in early 2026 drafts). Allen's durability and stable environment make him the "clearly superior pick" at the QB1 slot. (per QB Rankings debate—Josh Allen vs Lamar Jackson for 2026)

Contract extension standoff (July 4): As of training camp, Jackson and the Ravens remain in a stalled contract negotiation with uncertain resolution. The two-time MVP is signed through 2027 and Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti is committed to extending him, but the sides haven't made meaningful progress. Patrick Mahomes' new contract ($64M average annual value) sets a market benchmark; the question remains whether Baltimore will meet that ceiling for Jackson. Historically, Jackson and the Ravens have struggled to find middle ground on extensions—similar to the 2022 impasse that nearly led to a trade request before they ultimately reached a long-term deal. (per Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield contract questions lead NFL training camp's biggest storylines)

CBS Sports' mid-summer QB tier ranking placed Jackson in Tier 1 — "If there is a quarterback hierarchy this decade, it starts with Mahomes, with Jackson and Allen vying for second place." His two-time MVP accolades and history as "the most prolific running quarterback in league history" remain the core of his Tier 1 status, though 2025's injury-plagued season and defensive shifts raise questions about whether rushing volume can sustain elite fantasy output (per Ranking NFL starting quarterbacks by tiers ahead of the 2026 season).

Contract negotiations entering training camp remain fluid. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti is committed to extending Jackson, though 2025 suggested Jackson and the team weren't always on the same page—uncertainty that a new coaching staff is positioned to reset. Patrick Mahomes' $64M average annual value has become the benchmark. The key question heading into camp: will Baltimore go to that top-of-market figure for their two-time MVP? (per Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield contract questions lead NFL training camp's biggest storylines).

PFF's 2026 QB rankings underscore the gap between Jackson's elite underlying traits and his 2025 output. While his overall passing grade fell from 93.3 (2024) to 69.0 (2025), PFF notes "many of the traits that make him one of football's most dangerous players remain firmly intact." Specifically: his 91.9 PFF passing grade against the blitz ranked among elite performers, his 88.9 play-action grade ranked third, and his rushing ability remains dangerous with a 78.6 rushing grade (7th). Most critically, his intermediate and deep accuracy between the numbers (93.5 and 94.3 grades respectively) remained at elite levels despite the overall decline. PFF's assessment: Jackson's 2025 regression was driven by context (protection, supporting cast) rather than fundamental skill erosion, positioning him for a significant bounce-back if health and offensive stability return in 2026 (per PFF Quarterback Rankings: All 32 starters ahead of the 2026 NFL season).

Receiving corps weakness (June 30): CBS Sports' WR landing-spot analysis highlighted the Ravens' critical receiving depth problem: "Two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson needs playmaking help. Outside of Zay Flowers (1,211 receiving yards in 2025), no one else on the Baltimore Ravens recorded more than 450 yards receiving in 2025." With Isaiah Likely now in New York and Rashod Bateman unable to break 800 yards in his five-year career, Jackson faces elite-tier WR talent but weak-to-middling depth — a gap that would make Hill or another top WR addition a meaningful upgrade to the offense (per Tyreek Hill landing spots: Chiefs reunion among best fits for injured star WR).

Physical durability focus (July 4 — Ravens organizational priority): The Ravens have elevated recovery management to a central organizational focus entering 2026, recognizing that Jackson's injury history (hamstring, back, knee, ankle, toe injuries in 2025) represents the team's biggest vulnerability. The Ravens are implementing deliberate recovery protocols focused on Jackson's unique dual-threat demands: arm maintenance for high-volume passing combined with lower-body recovery for designed runs and scramble contact. Recovery strategies include: (1) post-practice protein intake (high-quality whey within 45 minutes of practice ends to support muscle tissue repair), and (2) hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) access for home use to support cellular repair in soft tissue. The AFC North divisional schedule (Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland in December/January) represents peak physical-demand games, so managing Jackson's cumulative load across the first 10 weeks is critical to durability in the season's second half. New HC Jesse Minter and OC Declan Doyle have made recovery practices a competitive advantage, recognizing that talent decisions are evaluated "in the 166 hours between games, not the 60 minutes during them" (per The Ravens' Expectations Are the Highest in the AFC).

AFC North shift: With Myles Garrett's trade to LA, Jackson visibly expressed relief ("I was like, 'Yes! I don't have to see him!'"), signaling both competitive respect and the physical burden of facing an elite edge rusher twice yearly. However, new Ravens coach Jesse Minter emphasizes finishing games—Baltimore has allowed the third-most points in the fourth quarter over the past six seasons and holds a 3-6 playoff record in Jackson's eight seasons. Patrick Mahomes' new $63M-per-year deal has reset the QB market, affecting Jackson's ongoing extension negotiations with the Ravens. Under Minter's new regime, the emphasis shifts from pure offense to finishing tight games and converting in playoffs. (per Taking stock of the AFC North: It's a transition year for the division)).

Role / Depth Chart

Starting QB for Baltimore Ravens. Locked-in QB1 with all game touches.

Injury Status

Healthy entering 2026 after managing hamstring injuries in 2025. Pass protection improvements should reduce hit count and injury risk.

Recent News

Open Questions

Coaches shaping Lamar's role

Jesse MinterHead CoachDeclan DoyleOffensive CoordinatorDwayne LedfordRun Game Coordinator/Offensive Line CoachMarcus BradyPass Game CoordinatorMike MickensPass Game Coordinator/Secondary CoachIsrael WoolforkQuarterbacks CoachShawn FlahertyAssistant Offensive Line Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

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