As the Ravens are urged to sign Justin Fields, Lamar Jackson confirms a significant offseason change.

The Baltimore Ravens’ offseason has been full of speculation, with fans, analysts, and even team insiders predicting major changes to the roster. One of the more surprising suggestions that have emerged recently is the idea of the Ravens pursuing Justin Fields, the young quarterback for the Chicago Bears, who is seen by many as an exciting talent with huge potential. Amid these discussions, however, Lamar Jackson, the face of the Ravens’ franchise, has confirmed a significant offseason change of his own that may drastically alter the course of the team’s future.

Lamar Jackson: The Catalyst for Change

Lamar Jackson has been with the Ravens since 2018, a year in which he was drafted as the 32nd overall pick. Over the years, Jackson has proved himself to be one of the most dynamic and electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL. He’s won an MVP award, led the team to multiple playoff appearances, and helped redefine what it means to be a dual-threat quarterback in the modern NFL. However, despite his undeniable talent and his success in leading the Ravens’ offense, Jackson’s future in Baltimore has always been an ongoing point of contention.

Jackson’s playing style—while thrilling—is somewhat unconventional. His ability to make plays with his legs has often been considered his most dangerous weapon, while his passing game has received mixed reviews. Critics of Jackson argue that his mechanics, particularly his deep ball accuracy, can sometimes hinder the Ravens’ offense, especially in high-pressure moments. But even those criticisms cannot overshadow his incredible playmaking ability. The Ravens’ offense, under Jackson, has frequently ranked among the most explosive and difficult to defend against in the NFL.

Still, the Ravens’ inability to reach the Super Bowl with Jackson as the leader has raised questions. The team has made some playoff appearances but has struggled to get past the AFC Championship Game, leading to debates about whether the Ravens need to make major changes at the quarterback position to push the team to the next level. Enter Justin Fields.

Justin Fields: The Rising Star

Fields, the second-year quarterback for the Chicago Bears, has impressed many with his athleticism and ability to make plays in and out of the pocket. After a somewhat rocky rookie season in 2021, Fields showed tremendous growth during the 2022 season, making significant strides as both a passer and a runner. His ability to move the chains with his legs, combined with flashes of elite passing talent, quickly earned him recognition as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league.

Fields’ development as a dual-threat quarterback has led some to wonder if the Ravens should consider making a move for him, especially considering the similarities in playing style between him and Jackson. There has been talk in the media about a potential trade, with Fields being seen as a player who could seamlessly fit into the Ravens’ offense and provide a fresh spark.

However, Lamar Jackson’s recent confirmation of a significant change to his approach this offseason casts doubt on whether the Ravens will pursue Fields or if Jackson himself is prepared to take his game to new heights.

Lamar Jackson’s Offseason Announcement

In early February 2025, Lamar Jackson made a public announcement that shocked many in the NFL community. During an interview at the Pro Bowl, Jackson confirmed that he was making a drastic change to his training regimen and approach to the game. For years, Jackson has been known for his high-intensity, mobile style of play, but his announcement suggested that he was ready to evolve into a more traditional pocket passer.

“I’ve been working on a lot of different things this offseason,” Jackson said. “I’ve been focusing on my mechanics, my footwork, and really developing a stronger pocket presence. I’m still going to do what I do best, but I want to take this team to the next level, and I know that means continuing to improve as a passer. I’m excited about the changes I’m making and the direction this team is headed.”

Jackson’s comments are significant for several reasons. First, they signal that he is fully aware of the criticisms regarding his passing game and is taking active steps to address them. Jackson has always been quick to dismiss any doubts about his passing ability, but this offseason seems different. The change in his mindset—moving toward a more balanced approach rather than relying exclusively on his legs—suggests that he is ready to take on a larger role as a pure quarterback.

The second major implication of Jackson’s announcement is its effect on the Ravens’ roster construction moving forward. The team has long been built around Jackson’s unique skill set, with a run-heavy offense designed to utilize his legs. However, Jackson’s commitment to becoming a more well-rounded quarterback could lead to a significant shift in how the Ravens approach their offensive philosophy.

The Future of the Ravens’ Offense

Jackson’s confirmation of his offseason changes has the potential to transform the Ravens’ offensive identity. If Jackson truly is serious about becoming a more traditional pocket passer, then the Ravens will likely need to adjust their playcalling and personnel to fit this new vision. The team may begin to prioritize acquiring more receiving talent, including a true No. 1 wide receiver who can make plays in the passing game.

The Ravens have already made moves in this direction. In recent seasons, they’ve invested heavily in wide receiver talent, drafting players like Rashod Bateman and signing free agents such as Odell Beckham Jr. The team’s coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Todd Monken, has also hinted at more pass-oriented playcalling in the upcoming season, suggesting that the offense may shift towards a more balanced attack that can complement Jackson’s newfound passing skills.

But the Ravens’ identity has always been defined by their physical running game, built around Jackson’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and utilize his speed to pick up yards on the ground. If Jackson’s offseason work leads to a stronger passing attack, the Ravens could emerge as a more versatile offense, capable of both running and passing effectively.

The Justin Fields Dilemma

Despite Jackson’s promising announcement, the rumors surrounding Justin Fields won’t die down so easily. The idea of pairing Fields with Jackson as a dynamic duo in Baltimore has a certain appeal, particularly for a team that has historically relied on running quarterbacks. Fields’ abilities as a runner could complement Jackson’s, making the Ravens even more dangerous on the ground.

But this potential move is complicated by the fact that the Ravens already have Jackson under contract, and bringing in a quarterback of Fields’ caliber could create friction. Some might argue that adding a player like Fields would undermine Jackson’s development as a more traditional passer. The Ravens would need to consider how such a move would impact team chemistry and whether it would be more beneficial to continue to invest in Jackson’s growth or pursue a fresh face altogether.

The decision may ultimately come down to Jackson’s performance in the upcoming season. If his transition to a more refined passing game proves successful, the Ravens may find themselves less inclined to pursue a quarterback like Fields. However, if Jackson struggles to make the changes he has outlined, the Ravens could look to move on from him and explore other quarterback options, including Fields, as part of a rebuilding phase.

The Ravens’ Super Bowl Window

Ultimately, the Ravens’ decision regarding their quarterback situation will come down to their aspirations for a Super Bowl title. Baltimore has a storied history of success, with two Super Bowl championships under their belt, but the team has not made it past the AFC Divisional Round since their last championship in 2012. With Jackson now entering his prime years, the window for the Ravens to win another title is closing, and they must make the right choices to capitalize on it.

If Jackson’s offseason transformation is successful, the Ravens could very well become a more dangerous team in 2025, with a balanced offense and a re-energized quarterback leading the charge. However, if Jackson’s attempts to become a more polished passer fall short, the team may find itself in a difficult position, looking for a fresh face to lead them into the future.

The next few months will be critical for the Ravens as they shape their roster and determine the direction of their franchise. Jackson’s commitment to becoming a better passer has certainly added an interesting layer to the equation, but whether the team ultimately stays with him or explores other options, such as Justin Fields, remains to be seen.