Lamar Jackson addresses long-term future with Ravens amid trade rumors

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson became the subject of trade rumors this offseason before he skipped some voluntary OTA practice sessions. 

Jackson has since returned to the club for voluntary workouts. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, he was asked if he still envisions himself staying with the Ravens on a long-term basis. 

Lamar Jackson "absolutely" wants to stay with Ravens beyond 2026?

"Absolutely," Jackson responded, as shared by Bobby Trosset of the Ravens Vault podcast. "I love the Ravens. I love this organization. I love this city. This is the team that drafted me (in 2018)...I love Baltimore. Everybody should know that by now." 

In 2023, Jackson went public with a trade request but later put pen to paper on a five-year deal reportedly worth up to $260M with $185M guaranteed. That contract prevents the Ravens from retaining his rights via the franchise tag, meaning he is currently on track to reach free agency in March 2028.

Numerous stories shared throughout this spring have indicated that Jackson and the Ravens aren't close to coming to terms on an extension. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Jackson said on Wednesday that he wants to keep contract discussions with the Ravens "private." 

Lamar Jackson opens up about Ravens firing John Harbaugh

Shortly after Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti stunningly fired head coach John Harbaugh this past January, a report suggested that Harbaugh and Jackson were no longer "on the same page" and that Harbaugh "lost the locker room." On Wednesday, Jackson was asked about Harbaugh's dismissal. 

"I gotta lot of respect for [Harbaugh]," Jackson said. "Me just seeing that, I was shocked in a way. I feel like Mr. [Bisciotti] did what was best for the team." 

Jackson added that he hopes Harbaugh "has a great, great time" serving as the new head coach of the New York Giants. Jackson also revealed that he messaged Harbaugh after the Giants hired the coach this past winter. 

Jackson accumulated a postseason record as a starter of 3-5 under Harbaugh. Together, the two failed to guide the Ravens to a single Super Bowl appearance from 2018 through the 2025 season. 

Baltimore eventually hired former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as Harbaugh's replacement. 

"Everything is just new basically besides upstairs," Jackson said about the Ravens' offseason changes, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "Coaching staff is just new, and I can say it’s a breath of fresh air because everything is just new."