Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson showed up for voluntary OTAs looking significantly slimmer than usual. Jackson then faced a barrage of weight-related questions when he spoke to the media at the podium. His weight loss seems to be dominating the conversation in Baltimore right now, but it's simply a May talking point that's much ado about nothing.
Jackson declined to answer questions regarding his weight in terrific detail but admitted that his target play weight for the 2024 season is under 230 pounds. The idea is for Jackson to be more agile. The reigning MVP champion does not believe his recent weight loss will be preventative to protecting himself from strenuous physical contact.
Lamar Jackson and other Ravens were asked A LOT about his weight today. Eleven questions, to be exact. Here all all 11. pic.twitter.com/x1H0e3mXk3
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) May 22, 2024
The former Louisville quarterback also claimed he feels better than he's felt since the pre-COVID years. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was also completely unbothered, calling Jackson a "pro that knows what he's doing." Wide receiver Zay Flowers admitted that his quarterback looked different, going as far as to call him "so skinny." Jackson's weight loss has left an impression on the coaching staff, and his teammates.
Jackson arguably enjoyed a career-best season in 2023, setting personal highs in pass completions (307), completion percentage (67.2%), and passing yards (3,678). The dual-threat Jackson also rushed for 821 yards and five touchdowns en route to claiming his second MVP trophy. The Ravens won an AFC-best 13 contests, finishing as the top seed. Perhaps most importantly, The Pompano Beach native was healthy all season after playing just 12 games in back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022.
Jackson showcased better ability to protect himself and remain healthy throughout 2023 after questions arose in 2021 and 2022. By doing so, Jackson has earned the grace and trust of the coaching staff to oversee his weight.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta also made moves throughout the offseason that intend to help Jackson's productivity. Most notably, superstar running back Derrick Henry was signed to a two-year contract in free agency. Henry and Jackson should quickly form the league's most dangerous backfield duo, one that should remove some of the physical workload from the quarterback's plate.
DeCosta also made changes to his offensive line. Veteran journeyman Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. No. 62 overall pick Roger Rosengarten will seemingly replace him. Rolling with a rookie starter at right tackle would carry risk, but Rosengarten possesses a significantly higher ceiling than Moses did at this point. Sophomore fourth-rounder Daniel Faalele will also try to win the vacant job.
The Ravens have gone to great lengths to surround Jackson with better protection and more playmaking weapons. Upgrades across multiple positions should have a positive impact on his ability to protect himself. Jackson best understands his most effective physical condition.
The expectation is that Jackson will remain healthy while positioning the Ravens for Super Bowl contention throughout 2024. He's capable of extending the pocket and creating chunk yardage for himself outside of structure better than any other quarterback in league history. Nothing about Jackson's recent weight loss indicates he's forgotten how to protect himself.
