Ravens' 2026 season will be defined by 1 key thing

A new era is beginning for the Baltimore Ravens as Jesse Minter takes over from John Harbaugh as head coach, with the AFC North franchise now moving in a different direction.

But despite that, the Ravens, as they have done the previous few years, will go as far as Lamar Jackson can take them.

In 2026, the Ravens need a fully healthy Lamar and one who can play all 17 regular-season games, giving the franchise the best chance at playoff football.

But before any of that can take place, Jackson is the central figure in the Ravens' offseason plans, and for ESPN's Jamison Hensley, there's a lot to figure out.

"Baltimore's priority is reaching a new contract with Lamar Jackson and getting the two-time NFL MVP back on track on the field," Hensley wrote. "The first issue is reducing Jackson's $74.5 million salary cap number, and owner Steve Bisciotti spoke to Jackson about the urgency to create more cap room before the start of free agency in March.

"Then, Baltimore's new coaching staff will look to build a scheme around Jackson, who is coming off 2,549 passing yards and 21 touchdowns -- both of which are his lowest since 2022."

More: Analyst details how Chiefs can kickstart another Super Bowl era

Lamar needs bounce back season

The Ravens' failure to make the playoffs is likely why the franchise moved on from Harbaugh, and for Minter, he's entering his first NFL head-coaching job with significant pressure to deliver from Day 1.

And to help him do that, he needs MVP Lamar to show up, and often in 2026.

Just a year removed from his 41 TD, four interception effort in 2024, so Jackson needs to rediscover that and quickly.

Baltimore can't afford another wasted season like 2025, as Lamar is in his prime, and the Ravens have to take advantage of it.

More NFL news:

• Patriots' brutal 2026 schedule adds further pain after Super Bowl loss
• Chiefs fix Patrick Mahomes' biggest problem in latest mock draft
• Chiefs' Travis Kelce's retirement decision has to factor in 1 huge thing
• Cardinals urged to make incredible decision on Pro Bowl QB
• Seahawks' Kenneth Walker celebrated Super Bowl win in best way possible
• Ravens expected to address huge offseason issue under Jesse Minter
• Mike Evans' agent drops huge Buccaneers future update