Baltimore Ravens 2025 offseason primer: Looking for how to get Lamar Jackson to a Super Bowl

The Baltimore Ravens have experienced a mix of highs and lows in recent seasons, with standout quarterback Lamar Jackson at the center of it all. Jackson, a dynamic and electrifying player, is arguably one of the most unique quarterbacks in NFL history. However, despite his individual brilliance, the Ravens have not been able to break through and secure a Super Bowl victory since their 2012 championship run.

The 2025 offseason will be pivotal for the Ravens as they look to surround Lamar Jackson with the right pieces to help him elevate his game and finally secure that elusive Super Bowl ring. With Jackson now firmly established as the face of the franchise, it is clear that the Ravens must find ways to not only build around him but to also maximize his skill set in a way that can push them to the ultimate goal.

In this primer, we’ll take a deep dive into what the Ravens need to do in the 2025 offseason to give Lamar Jackson the best chance at a Super Bowl appearance and ultimately, a championship. From roster changes and free-agent acquisitions to drafting for future success, this offseason could be the key to Baltimore’s postseason success.

1. Lamar Jackson’s Contract: The First Priority

The most significant storyline surrounding the Ravens in the 2025 offseason will be Lamar Jackson’s contract situation. After years of speculation, Jackson has solidified his place as the Ravens’ quarterback of the future. However, his contract remains a point of contention, and the franchise needs to find a way to keep its star quarterback happy while ensuring the financial flexibility necessary to build a competitive team around him.

As of the 2025 offseason, Jackson will be entering the final year of his contract, meaning the Ravens must either negotiate a long-term extension or risk allowing him to enter free agency. Given Jackson’s proven ability to carry the Ravens’ offense, the Ravens’ front office must prioritize getting a deal done as quickly as possible. A long-term deal would not only secure Jackson’s future with the team but would also give the franchise the cap flexibility to add pieces around him, making the Ravens more competitive in their pursuit of a Super Bowl.

The key for the Ravens will be to find the right balance between paying Jackson what he deserves and preserving cap space for the team to remain competitive. Jackson is a former MVP and a game-changing quarterback, so a lucrative deal seems inevitable. However, the Ravens must ensure that they structure the contract in a way that allows them to build the supporting cast Jackson needs to succeed.

2. Improving the Wide Receiver Corps

For as dynamic as Lamar Jackson is as a runner, his ability to win games through the air is what will ultimately determine whether or not he can lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl. The Ravens’ offense has often been criticized for its lack of weapons on the outside, and despite having some talented receivers, they have failed to consistently surround Jackson with elite receiving talent.

The 2025 offseason must be about upgrading the wide receiver position. This starts with addressing the weaknesses in the current roster and looking at potential free-agent acquisitions or trade options. While players like Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers have shown flashes of potential, the Ravens need more consistent production from the position. Bateman, in particular, has struggled with injuries, and the Ravens can’t afford to wait for players to develop when the championship window is open.

One of the most crucial steps in this process will be to sign or trade for a true No. 1 wide receiver who can provide Jackson with the reliable, explosive option he needs. Players like DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, or even younger options like Chris Godwin or DJ Moore could fit the bill. The addition of a top-tier wideout would immediately provide Jackson with an established go-to target that he can trust to make plays in critical moments.

In addition to acquiring a proven star receiver, the Ravens will also need to focus on depth. The wide receiver position is one that can get banged up over the course of a season, so adding a few reliable role players who can contribute in various situations is also key to giving Jackson all the weapons he needs to succeed.

3. Strengthening the Offensive Line

Another major area for improvement for the Ravens is the offensive line. Despite Jackson’s ability to extend plays and create magic with his legs, the Ravens’ offensive line has been inconsistent in protecting him. A strong offensive line is crucial not just for protecting Jackson in the pocket but also for opening up lanes for the running game, which is the backbone of Baltimore’s offensive scheme.

The Ravens have done a solid job drafting and developing offensive line talent, but the unit is not yet at the elite level required for a Super Bowl-caliber team. The 2025 offseason will be about bolstering the offensive line, either through the draft or free agency.

The team should consider targeting a top-tier offensive lineman in free agency, whether it be a solid tackle or an interior lineman who can stabilize the trenches. Additionally, the Ravens should continue to focus on developing younger players in the system, such as 2023 draft picks who could step into larger roles in the coming years.

Jackson’s ability to make plays outside the pocket means he can occasionally bail out the offensive line, but when the pressure is on in critical playoff games, having a unit that can protect Jackson consistently will be the difference between a potential Super Bowl appearance and a disappointing early exit.

4. Building a Balanced Offense: Running Back Position

While Lamar Jackson’s legs provide an electrifying component to the Ravens’ running game, Baltimore has traditionally relied on a solid group of running backs to complement him in the backfield. The Ravens’ offense is at its best when it can dominate the ground game, and that means finding the right pieces to help take some of the pressure off Jackson.

J.K. Dobbins has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, but injuries have derailed his consistency. The Ravens need a dependable running back rotation that can complement Jackson’s dual-threat ability and keep defenses guessing. They could look to add a reliable veteran in free agency or draft a back in the middle rounds of the draft.

In 2025, the Ravens will need to look for a running back who can be effective as a rusher, as well as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. This would give Jackson even more versatility and make it more difficult for opposing defenses to key in on him as a runner.

A strong backfield, combined with Jackson’s unique playmaking ability, would give the Ravens a dynamic offense that could challenge defenses in multiple ways.

5. Upgrading the Defense

The Ravens have long been known for their strong defensive units, and that tradition continues in 2025. However, the defense has been inconsistent in recent years, and if Baltimore is going to make a legitimate Super Bowl run, the defense must step up to the next level.

The most pressing need for the defense is improving the pass rush. While the Ravens have solid players like Roquan Smith at linebacker, the pass rush has been hit-or-miss. Adding a dynamic pass rusher, whether through the draft or free agency, will be crucial. A top-tier edge rusher could elevate the defense by providing more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which would help the secondary and create more turnovers.

In addition to the pass rush, the Ravens will also need to look at their secondary. Although they have a few standout players, like Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens could improve their depth in the secondary by adding a reliable cornerback or safety. The AFC is loaded with high-powered offenses, and Baltimore will need a secondary that can hold up against elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen in the playoffs.

Overall, while the Ravens’ defense is solid, they must bolster the pass rush and secondary to keep pace with the league’s most explosive offenses.

6. Coaching and Team Philosophy

Lastly, the 2025 offseason provides the Ravens with an opportunity to reassess their overall philosophy. Lamar Jackson is an incredible talent, but it’s critical that the Ravens’ coaching staff continues to evolve their offensive scheme to best complement Jackson’s skill set. The Ravens have often been criticized for failing to adapt their offensive playbook to take advantage of Jackson’s strengths as a passer.

In 2025, the Ravens must commit to evolving their offense, with an emphasis on improving the passing game to balance out their traditional ground game. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who has a history of designing high-powered offenses, should work closely with Jackson to expand his passing repertoire, incorporate more modern passing concepts, and elevate his ability to attack defenses downfield.

If the Ravens can continue to adapt their offense while maintaining their identity as a run-heavy team, it could make them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.