Lamar Jackson. Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Three reasons to be optimistic about the Baltimore Ravens

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/24/23

The Ravens (10-7) made the postseason but lost in the wild-card round on the road to the Bengals, 24-17. QB Lamar Jackson missed the final five regular-season games and playoff game with a knee injury.

"If we'd have had Lamar, we'd have won," Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins told the media afterward.

Here are three reasons to be optimistic about Baltimore in 2023.

1. Lamar Jackson

The 2019 NFL MVP, a free agent, is one of the most dynamic players in the league. Baltimore said it is "200 percent" committed to him, but Jackson will be expensive. He wants a fully guaranteed deal in the pay range ($230M) of what Deshaun Watson got from the Browns, per ESPN.

#Ravens coach John Harbaugh says it clearly: "Lamar Jackson is our quarterback" and says there is a "200 percent" chance he stays. That's a lot of percent. He'll be involved in the OC hire.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2023

If Jackson were to leave the Ravens via trade, they'll likely get a huge return for the 26-year-old, perhaps multiple first-round picks. Either way, Jackson will have a major impact for Baltimore on or off the roster in 2023.

2. Running back J.K. Dobbins

Injury-plagued Dobbins played in just eight games in 2022, leading some to wonder if the Ravens should add to the running back room, but they don't need to.

"I'm a playmaker. I'm a guy that my teammates feed off me when I'm on the field," Dobbins said following the playoff loss to the Bengals.

The 24-year-old led the league in rushing yards (397) and yards per carry (7.0) between Weeks 14 and 17, proving he can be a dynamic player for years. Dobbins, entering the final year of his rookie deal, has a huge incentive to play well in 2023.

With a full offseason ahead, Dobbins can get fully healthy.

3. Roquan Smith

At the trade deadline, Baltimore acquired Smith from the Bears for a second-round pick. He quickly justified the trade.

In just nine games, the 25-year-old had 86 tackles, two sacks and one interception. The Ravens signed Smith to a five-year, $100 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the league.

Smith has the entire offseason to finish catching up on Baltimore's playbook.

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