For the first time since the Ravens’ playoff loss in Buffalo five months ago, quarterback Lamar Jackson spoke out and admitted he still hasn’t moved on from that game.
“We’re going to bounce back,” Jackson said after Tuesday’s minicamp practice. “When we return, I believe we’ll have revenge on our minds.”
As he gets ready for his eighth season in the NFL, Jackson holds the second-best record among quarterbacks since 2018 with a 70-24 record (.745) and has guided the Ravens to three AFC North titles, including the last two. However, Jackson is the only player who has won multiple NFL MVP awards without reaching a Super Bowl.
In his most recent playoff game—a 27-25 loss to the Bills—Jackson made two mistakes in the first half. He threw an interception near midfield in the first quarter and fumbled at the Bills’ 34-yard line during the second quarter.
When asked how long it took him to get over that loss, Jackson said, “Honestly, I don’t really get over any losses. There are losses from my youth football days that still bother me.”
At the beginning of Baltimore’s first minicamp practice on Tuesday, Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin asked Jackson what films he had been watching this offseason. Jackson replied that he was reviewing all the games he lost.
Martin described the playoff loss to the Bills as a “deep-felt loss” for Jackson.
Late in the fourth quarter, Jackson had a chance to tie the game when he threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely with 1:33 left on the clock. However, his attempt for a 2-point conversion was dropped by tight end Mark Andrews.
On Tuesday, Jackson defended Andrews and expressed his frustration with those who criticized the three-time Pro Bowl tight end on social media.
“We wish we could have won the game,” Jackson stated. “I wish I hadn’t thrown that interception. I wish I hadn’t fumbled. I wish there hadn’t been that mishap with Andrews. But it happened. It’s just a lesson learned, so next time we’ll do better.”
One topic that Jackson didn’t want to talk about was his contract situation. He signed a five-year, $260 million deal in 2023, but many see it as more like a three-year contract. Baltimore will likely want to negotiate a new deal with Jackson before next offseason when his salary cap number jumps to $74.5 million in 2026.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta recently mentioned on the BMore Baseball Podcast that the team is just starting talks for a contract extension with Jackson.
Jackson, who represents himself and does not have an agent, did not provide details about the current status of negotiations.
“I never talk about contract matters here,” Jackson stated. “I prefer not to discuss it, if that’s alright with you.”
When he heard Harbaugh mention that Jackson will be the highest-paid player in the NFL with his next contract, Jackson paused and leaned closer to the microphone to respond, “That sounds good.”
Jackson is also pushing for the Ravens to sign Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback who was recently released by the Green Bay Packers. He mentioned that he has been in touch with Alexander, who used to be his teammate at Louisville.
“Go get him, Eric,” Jackson urged Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. “I appreciate all our corners, but go get him, Eric.”
