The Baltimore Ravens' offseason isn't going to be for the faint-hearted.
There's plenty of changes coming, folks. And one has already been made with John Harbaugh out as head coach.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken is out as well, leaving two key positions that have to be filled.
But the incoming head coach will have work to do. There are plenty of holes and not much weaponry to fix them. However, Lamar Jackson's contract is key to all of that.
For ESPN's Jamison Hensley, the Ravens can get back to the top of the AFC North by doing one thing this offseason, but in order to do it, Lamar's future has to be decided first.
"Be more aggressive in free agency," Hensley wrote. "The Ravens are typically among the teams that don't make big splashes in March because they believe the draft is the best way to build a team.
"But Baltimore has plenty of needs -- including upgrading the offensive line and adding pass-rushers -- while entering a critical championship window with Jackson, who turned 29 in January. All of this would hinge on lowering Jackson's cap number, which would increase Baltimore's cap spending."
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Ravens must sort out Jackson's contract
The $74.5 million cap hit isn't sustainable for 2026, so the Ravens, likely through a contract extension, will want to bring that number down. Way down.
As such, it will free up salary cap for the franchise and its new head coach to perhaps, as Hensley stated, be more aggressive in free agency.
With several needs, it's hard to get a gauge on where to start. But first, the money has to be available.
Free agency begins on March 11, so there are under two months to figure this thing out with Lamar out.
Because, as heavy-handed as it sounds, that decision holds the key to everything Baltimore wants to do in the coming months.
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