Lamar Jackson: Baltimore's Greatest Athlete Amid Trade Speculation
WHO:
Heavy NFL - John Simpson signed a three-year deal with the Ravens after previously playing for the New York Jets.
Heavy NFL - Torrey Smith stated, "I'll double down on that," regarding his claim that Lamar Jackson is the best athlete to ever play in Baltimore.
Heavy NFL - Derrick Henry is a 32-year-old running back for the Tennessee Titans.
Heavy NFL - Nate Wiggins is a cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens and a 2024 first-round draft pick.
Heavy NFL - Lamar Jackson is the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens.
Heavy NFL - Torrey Smith is a former Ravens wide receiver and Super Bowl champion.
WHAT:
baltimoreravens.com - The Ravens ranked No. 5 in ESPN's projected starting lineup rankings for the upcoming season.
baltimoreravens.com - The Ravens signed blocking specialist Durham Smythe in free agency and drafted tight ends Matt Hibner (fourth round) and Josh Cuevas (fifth round).
Heavy NFL - Torrey Smith emphasized that Jackson's legacy is secure, stating, "If he was done today, Super Bowl or not, he's a Hall of Fame player, first ballot."
Heavy NFL - Derrick Henry was ranked No. 6 in ESPN’s running back rankings heading into the season, determined by a survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts.
Heavy NFL - Derrick Henry rushed for nearly 3,516 yards over the past two seasons.
Heavy NFL - Henry had 17 runs of 20 or more yards last season, which was four more than any other player.
Heavy NFL - Nate Wiggins stated he has been playing at “60-70 percent” since high school before undergoing an undisclosed offseason surgery.
Heavy NFL - Lamar Jackson has been labeled a "winner" due to the Ravens' "franchise-altering" 2026 offseason.
Heavy NFL - Jackson is expected to return to MVP form during the 2026 season.
Heavy NFL - Jackson's potential departure from the Ravens has been discussed, with reports suggesting he could leave for an NFC team.
Heavy NFL - Torrey Smith stated, "He's the best athlete that's played a sport in Baltimore," referring to Lamar Jackson.
baltimoreravens.com - Lamar Jackson has been the starting quarterback for the Ravens since 2018.
baltimoreravens.com - Jackson is a two-time MVP.
Heavy NFL - Jackson was labeled a "winner" in the Ravens' "franchise-altering" 2026 offseason.
Heavy NFL - There are reports suggesting that Lamar Jackson could potentially leave the Ravens for an NFC team.
WHERE:
baltimoreravens.com - The discussions about Lamar Jackson's legacy and future are taking place in Baltimore.
WHEN:
baltimoreravens.com - Jackson mentioned he would start thinking about his legacy when he considers retirement.
WHY:
baltimoreravens.com - Torrey Smith emphasized that Jackson's legacy is secure despite not having led the Ravens to a championship yet, stating, "You can be a great player and your team not be good enough to get over the hump."
HOW:
baltimoreravens.com - Simpson is expected to provide a veteran presence on the Ravens' interior offensive line, which has undergone significant changes.
Heavy NFL - Harland Bower was hired as the outside linebackers coach for the Ravens, promoted from the college ranks, focusing on a gritty, hard-nosed defense.
Heavy NFL - Harland Bower is the new outside linebackers coach for the Ravens, promoted from the college ranks.
Heavy NFL - Jackson stated, "I just try to be the best player I can be, keeping God first and doing what I can do when I can do it," indicating his focus on performance.
baltimoreravens.com - Jackson stated, "I really don't have an answer for that question. I really don't think about my legacy," indicating his focus on performance rather than legacy.
The Ravens have made a significant move by signing John Simpson to a three-year deal after his time with the New York Jets, as they look to bolster their offensive line. In addition to Simpson, the team has also added blocking specialist Durham Smythe in free agency and drafted tight ends Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas. With these changes, the Ravens are projected to rank No. 5 in ESPN's starting lineup rankings for the upcoming season, and Simpson is expected to bring valuable veteran experience to the interior offensive line.