Has the Baltimore Ravens front office done enough to surround their now two-time NFL MVP with enough talent to compete with
There’s little doubt in the belief that as long as the Baltimore Ravens have Lamar Jackson, they’ll be in title contention.
That won’t be enough to get them to the Super Bowl though, as clearly evident in last year’s AFC Title Game.
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2023 may have seen Baltimore’s all-around quarterback take home his second NFL MVP, but a poor performance in the conference title against the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs has left some wondering if Jackson could even be the quarterback to send the Ravens back to the Super Bowl.
Complicating matters has been Baltimore’s loss of talent in free agency. Whether it was the departures of defensive stars like Patrick Queen or Geno Stone, or the quick overhaul along the offensive line, the Ravens look worse on paper than they did when free agency began.
Under a tight cap window, this was to be expected.
But now the question, as the first wave of free agency draws to a close, comes down to a very simple conundrum.
Has Baltimore done enough to surround their MVP quarterback with enough talent to compete with the likes of the Chiefs in the playoffs?
The addition of former 2,000-yard runner Derrick Henry is a feather in the organization’s cap that is trying to do. Henry’s physicality will bring a new look to Baltimore’s impressive rushing unit. They have also made quick adjustments along the offensive line with the signing of Josh Jones in free agency. They may not be as talented as the group in 2023 was, but the Ravens offensive line should be more than serviceable next year.
It’s not just the running back or offensive line room that will effect Jackson next season, though. With Odell Beckham Jr. on the open market, there is a significant need for a big-play wide receiver outside of first-round phenom Zay Flowers.
While there are capable players still left over in free agency, the longer Baltimore waits to try and solve that position, the longer they become handicapped to hoping their quarterback bails out their lack of decisiveness next year.
Jackson has shown he can help this team reach new heights last year. He’s improved as a leader and passer. Now, the real question should come down to the organization’s front office leadership to make sure they are being held accountable to maximize the talent window that their franchise quarterback has put forth.