NFL legend and analyst Troy Aikman broke down why Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has even more expectations in 2026.
The Baltimore Ravens have gone through some huge changes in the 2026 offseason, the main one being the exodus of longtime head coach John Harbaugh. With Harbaugh out, the organization hired former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to lead the team.
Considering Lamar Jackson played a part in the hire, and owner Steve Bisciotti indicated that the franchise quarterback is a driving force, the belief would be that the two-time MVP has far more expectations on his shoulders. NFL legend Troy Aikman also indicated as much, stating that the transition means the signal caller is expected to step up even more.
"Well, the expectations are what they've been. I mean, you expect Lamar to be in the MVP conversation. You expect the Ravens to be right there at the end of the day, which they typically have been. I agree with you completely, Greeny, that when you are a veteran quarterback, franchise quarterback, and you've had the years that Lamar has had, now the coach leaves, you got a young coach, first-time coach coming in, that puts a lot on the plate of the quarterback," Aikman said.
Aikam is alluding to the fact that Jackson being the face of the Ravens organization means he must be the leader in a bigger way, especially during this transition period. Even more so, if he was truly a big component in the head coach search, there should be even more reasons to have to step up.
"So, the expectations certainly are going to be higher for him. Hopefully, he can stay healthy, but I don't think anything has changed. They didn't make that change expecting any kind of rebuild or a slow uh development as a football team. So, uh, the expectations are what they are. He understands that, and he's probably feeling a little bit more of the heat than he otherwise would," Aikman said.
Aikamn also pointed to Jackson being "conversed with" regarding the hiring of Minter, which was also confirmed by general manager Eric DeCosta, who praised the work that he and the signal caller did together.
With that level of responsbility, it stands to reason that Jackson would need to be front and center for a great many things for the 2026 season. He has already showed that leadership when he arrived for the voluntary offseason workout program.
Jackson is buying in to Minter as head coach, and showing the rest of the team that showing up matters.
Baltimore is already being viewed as a team that should experience a major bounce back year, after going 8-9 in 2025 and missing the playoffs. Their win total is also very high on most sports books, so there is a lot of belief they will get back to their playoff contending selves.
Now, there is no guarantee that it happens, but Jackson being healthy certainly gives the team a huge chance to compete. He won the MVP twice for a reason, as he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
The Ravens have also upgraded the roster in meaningful ways through free agency and the draft. Now, it will be up to Jackson and the team to put forth the effort that can lead to many wins and a playoff berth after missing out for the first time since the 2021 season.