Lamar Jackson sets clears expectations for Ravens amid contract negotiations

With NFL training camp underway and the preseason just around the corner, Lamar Jackson remains without a new deal.

The Baltimore Ravens superstar holds all the leverage in this situation, with the team forced to meet his demands or risk taking a massive cap hit and watching him leave after his deal runs out. However, that's not the priority right now. With a new season on the horizon, Jackson only cares about getting the job done.

When asked about his expectations for next season, the multi-time MVP made it clear that he's looking to push his team every single week, not just late in the season.

Lamar Jackson wants to make a statement in 2026

"I expect us to be there too each and every year," Jackson said on "The Lounge" podcast. "It’s starting now, though, you know, it starts each and every week. It don’t just happen in February. The expectations is you getting better each and every day until we in February."

The Ravens are one of the biggest favorites to come out of the AFC this season. They have a revamped defense and a new head coach with a bright future. Nevertheless, this isn't the first time that Jackson's team has been heavily favored to get the job done. That's why this time, he doesn't want to hear any of that. Instead, he wants their game to do the talking.

"It’s all good on paper, you know, I’m not a paper guy. I’m a, 'we get on the field, and we show, you know, prove how talented we are.' Not just the name speak for itself. It’s like, no, each and every year you got to go out there and prove your name and speak for yourself until you’re done. I don’t care if we start off 5-0, 6-0. We gotta finish the whole season," added Jackson.

Jackson's contract situation will inevitably also be a major talking point this season, and he may want to get that out of the way to avoid unnecessary distractions. For now, all pressure is on the Ravens.