All signs point to Lamar Jackson being the Ravens starting quarterback in 2019.
General manager Ozzie Newsome and his successor, Eric DeCosta, did not use a first-round draft pick to have Jackson sit on the bench for three years.
The Jackson era could be just one part of some potentially drastic changes for the franchise.
Joe Flacco will likely be playing his last season in Baltimore in 2018. The Ravens are ready to shed that lofty contract and start building a more complete team.
The Ravens free up $10.5 million in salary-cap space, and $18.5 million in cash, if they release Flacco after the season. Flacco could also be traded if he avoids injuries, has a solid year and is willing to restructure his deal for another team.
That’s money the Ravens will use to improve other areas.
More dominoes could fall once the team moves on from Flacco.
The Ravens can also create $9.5 million in cap space if Jimmy Smith is released after the 2018 season. Other potential cap saving could from from parting ways with Tony Jefferson ($5 million), Marshal Yanda ($7 million) and Eric Weddle ($6.5 million).
While all of those players have been effective, Jefferson, 26, is the only one that won’t be over the age of 30.
This means the Ravens could revamp the roster and add some young dynamic playmakers.
The Ravens will certainly create that elusive buzz when they are flush with cash to build a more vibrant roster. A youth movement has already begun with 12 rookies practicing this weekend at the Under Armor Performance Center in Owings Mills.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this bunch of guys we’ve got coming in here to help make this football team great,” coach John Harbaugh said. “Ozzie and everybody in the building have done a great job.”
Speaking of excitement, Jackson’s debut in the home preseason opener Aug. 9 vs. Los Angeles Rams should have fans flocking to M&T Bank Stadium. Jackson is a dynamic player that will generate interest locally and nationally.
Jackson will need some time to develop as a traditional drop-back passer, but he has the type of athleticism that can’t be taught. In the meantime, he’s ready to make plays any way he can.
“When they see my running ability, they see me make people miss in the openfield, they just try to label me,” Jackson said. “I don’t want to say as an ‘athlete,’ but at the same time they could say, ‘He could play running back or receiver,’ or something like that.
“That’s just a plus for me. I can throw the ball with the best of them, like I always say. I can make any throw on the field, but I can bring something else to the table, and that’s dynamic running ability.”
Jackson could be playing behind a young and strong offensive line in the coming years. Ronnie Stanley is a mainstay at left tackle and rookie Orlando Brown Jr. will fight for the starting job at right tackle. Alex Lewis and Nico Siragusa will be key contributors if they can bounce back from injuries.
So, there is some excitement at the Ravens’ headquarters.
The hope is a young dynamic team will reignite the fans’ passion.
