NFL 2022: Predicting the starting QB for all 32 teams pre-NFL Free Agency

Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson is not far removed from being an NFL MVP, but the Lamar Jackson we saw in the 2021 season was not the same guy we’d grown accustomed to in recent years.

Jackson threw 36 touchdown passes in his MVP season back in 2019 and added another seven touchdowns on the ground.

His numbers dipped to 26 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns in 2020, but the Ravens were still a legitimate and viable Super Bowl threat in the AFC.

In 2021, Jackson played in just 12 games, throwing 16 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions, his worst touchdown percentage and worst interception percentage so far as an NFL starter.

The Ravens certainly aren’t moving on from Jackson, but they also haven’t given him a long-term deal just yet.

There’s clearly some pause there from the Ravens front office that is worth monitoring going forward.

Obviously, the Ravens are under no obligation to pay Jackson what he’s potentially asking for just yet as they have the threat of the franchise tag for a couple of seasons if need be.

A bounce-back year from Jackson in 2022 would almost undoubtedly result in a long-term extension and long-term answers for Baltimore.