Who Plays Quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens?
Lamar Jackson is the Baltimore Ravens' quarterback. The 2019 NFL MVP has been the team's starter since 2018 and has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances, including an AFC North division title in 2019. Jackson's contract with the Ravens runs through the 2024 season, though contract details and roster decisions may change annually.
How Jackson Became the Ravens' Starting Quarterback
Jackson was drafted by Baltimore in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of the University of Louisville. He did not start immediately; Joe Flacco was the opening-day starter that season. Jackson took over in Week 11 after Flacco suffered a hip injury and completed a 6-1 record to close the regular season. By 2019, Jackson was the full-time starter and won NFL MVP honors, becoming the youngest player ever to win the award at age 23.
His play style is distinctive among NFL quarterbacks. Jackson combines traditional passing with consistent rushing ability; he has recorded over 900 rushing yards in multiple seasons. This dual-threat approach has shaped how Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken (as of 2024) designs the team's system around his strengths.
Ravens Quarterbacks: Past and Present Context
Understanding Jackson's role requires knowing the team's recent QB history. The Ravens' previous franchise quarterback was Joe Flacco, who started from 2008 to 2018 and led Baltimore to a Super Bowl XLVII victory in February 2013 (the 2012 season). Before Flacco came Ray Lewis and Trent Dilfer, who won Super Bowl XXXV in February 2001. The position has been a point of organizational stability; Baltimore has had only five starting quarterbacks since 2001.
Jackson arrived during a transitional period. The Ravens had made the playoffs in 2011 and 2012 under Flacco but missed the postseason for five consecutive years (2013-2017), creating urgency around quarterback development. Jackson's emergence ended that drought immediately, with playoff appearances in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Performance Metrics and Local Context
Through the 2023 season, Jackson has thrown 111 touchdown passes and 42 interceptions as a Raven. His quarterback rating in his MVP season was 113.3, significantly above the NFL average of around 88. In the 2023 season, he completed 66.7% of his passes with 3,823 passing yards, continuing to balance arm talent with mobility.
The Ravens play at M&T Bank Stadium in downtown Baltimore (1101 Russell Street), where crowds regularly exceed 70,000 fans. Game-day atmosphere is notably tied to quarterback performance; Jackson's rushing plays often generate louder crowd reactions than standard passing plays, a tactical element that factors into play-calling decisions.
Contract and Future Roster Questions
In July 2023, Jackson signed a three-year, $260 million contract extension with the Ravens, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks on an annual basis. This agreement secured him through the 2024 season with options for 2025 and beyond, though exact contract language including guarantees and opt-out clauses fluctuates with each negotiation.
Injury history is relevant context. Jackson suffered an ankle injury in Week 16 of the 2022 season that affected playoff performance. In the 2023 season, he played in 16 games. Backup quarterback options have included Anthony Brown and Tyler Huntley, though these rosters shift annually.
Why This Matters for Ravens Fans and Local Events
If you're attending a Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium, knowing Jackson is the starting quarterback helps predict offensive strategy. The Ravens' offense under his leadership typically emphasizes running plays and play-action passes more than many NFL teams, which shapes how defensive schemes align during matchups.
Local sports bars and restaurants throughout Baltimore, particularly in neighborhoods like Fed Hill and Canton, organize watching parties for Ravens games. Jackson's MVP credentials and local popularity make him a central draw for these events, especially during playoff games.
Related Questions
When did the Ravens last change starting quarterbacks before Jackson? Joe Flacco started for 11 consecutive seasons (2008-2018) before Jackson took over in 2018. Before Flacco, the Ravens cycled through several quarterbacks in the early 2000s, but Flacco's tenure represents the most stable period besides Jackson's.
What is the Ravens' playoff record with Jackson? Through the 2023 season, the Ravens have made the playoffs five times with Jackson as starter, compiling an 6-5 postseason record. They have not returned to a Super Bowl during his tenure, though they've won at least one playoff game in multiple seasons.
Where can I buy tickets to watch Jackson play at home? Tickets for Ravens home games at M&T Bank Stadium are sold through the official NFL Ticketmaster site and the Ravens' website; prices vary by opponent and game date, typically ranging from $50 to $400+ depending on seat location and matchup importance.
