When the Baltimore Ravens moved on from John Harbaugh, it was met with shock as one of the AFC's big dogs was now searching for his replacement.
And the candidates lined up quickly.
For 18 seasons, the Ravens had Harbaugh at the helm, but now, it will be a fresh face that greets Lamar Jackson and Co. To begin the preseason.
Speculation has run wild with who the Ravens could have as their next head coach, but for CBS Sports' Garrett Podell, one big carrot dangling in front of the candidates is coaching Lamar.
"The allure for the Baltimore Ravens' opening is pretty straightforward: they have All-Pro-caliber talent at multiple key positions," Podell wrote. "Quarterback Lamar Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP and remains one of the league's best when healthy."
Podell also referenced Derrick Henry and Kyle Hamilton as key reasons the Ravens' job is alluring.
More: Wild trade idea for Ravens' Lamar Jackson surfaces involving Pro Bowl QB
Jackson's contract key to 2026 bounce back
The head coach search is the top priority right now, but so too has to be figuring out Jackson's contract.
Set to count $74.5 million against the cap in 2026, that isn't feasible. Plus, if it were to stay at that (it won't), that would mean the Ravens won't be able to fill holes in their roster in free agency. There'll be no money left.
If Baltimore can get Lamar's contract down to a more manageable number, the franchise can work on bringing in quality players to help push a 2026 resurgence.
But until that is done, the Ravens' outlook for the 2026 season will be a huge question mark, with Jackson holding everything up.
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