Executive offers bold prediction for Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, who's entering pivotal season in 2026

Executive offers bold Lamar Jackson prediction 

"I expect him to have a big year," the personnel evaluator said of Jackson. "This is like a contract year for him coming up." 

Jackson, 29, is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $260M deal, which includes a potential out after the 2026 season. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has made it clear he wants to extend the QB, but he may not do so until the 2027 offseason. 

Baltimore may want to see Jackson carry the team on a deep postseason run before once again backing the Brinks truck for the QB. He's 3-5 in the playoffs and has yet to reach a Super Bowl. 

A coaching change will test Jackson. Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter replaced John Harbaugh (now with the New York Giants) after Baltimore fired him following his 18th season with the team. We'll see if Minter was the right hire for the Ravens.

Jackson, who battled nagging hamstring, knee and ankle injuries last season, must stay healthier to rebound in 2026. If he does, the Ravens could once again be in the thick of the Super Bowl hunt. As of Monday, ESPN Football Power Index ranks them as the No. 3 team in the league.

2018 first-round pick Jackson isn't entering a make-or-break year, but it is an important one. He's still highly regarded but has lost some of his clout. To regain it, he must deliver on the executive's prediction.