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Former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson’s future with the Baltimore Ravens is murky at best these days.
Jackson entered the 2022 season in the last year of his contract after failing to agree to an extension in the offseason.
He then suffered a significant injury to his PCL that cost him the end of the regular season and kept him out of the Ravens’ AFC Wild Card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Jackson did not even attend Baltimore’s playoff loss, which landed him in hot water with some fans. He then followed that up with a cryptic social media post that had those same fans wondering if his days in a Ravens uniform were numbered.
The 26-year-old threw for just 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions this past season. He also struggled in 2021, with just 2,882 yards 16 touchdowns and 13 picks.
Many placed the blame for Jackson’s struggles at the feet on longtime offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Roman spent each of the last four seasons as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator and was praised for building an offense around its star signal caller.
But after struggling each of the last two seasons, Roman and the Ravens went their separate ways on Thursday.
Baltimore Ravens Part Ways With Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman
The Ravens and head coach John Harbaugh released a statement on Thursday announcing Roman’s departure.
Statement from Head Coach John Harbaugh on Greg Roman. pic.twitter.com/itERSCJP81
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 19, 2023
“Greg has led the development and success of a record-setting offense in Baltimore for several seasons,” Harbaugh said. “He is a tremendous football coach, as well as family man and person.
“Greg devised and led our offense to no fewer than 26 historical NFL and franchise achievements. He established an identity for our offense. We are grateful for Greg’s great work and abilities, and we wish him and his wonderful family the utmost happiness going forward.”
Roman also released a statement through his agency thanking Harbaugh and the Ravens organization.
“After visiting with Coach Harbaugh and after huddling with my family, I have decided that now is the right time to move on from the Ravens so that I can explore new challenges and opportunities.” – Greg Roman
Baltimore now has two major hurdles in front of it. The Ravens must retain Jackson, and then find an offensive coordinator who best optimizes his abilities.
It won’t be an easy task.