Lamar Jackson has one of the toughest competitors: himself. After a mixed season filled with injuries and sparks of brilliance, former scout John Middlekauff believes Jackson cannot live up to the version of himself that won two MVP titles.

Middlekauff shared a harsh view on the 3 And Out podcast, as posted on their X account.

“I think the guy that we saw early on in his career, 60-yard touchdown, double 360s in the open field; it was like Michael Vick on steroids,” Middlekauff added. “It was incredible. That guy’s not coming back.”

Middlekauf was talking about the dominance Jackson showed back in 2019. In his second season with the team, he managed 36 touchdowns and 3,127 passing yards, going on to win the MVP award. In the following years, Jackson has had mixed years, managing 20+ touchdowns in just four seasons.

That inconsistency was visible last season, too. Jackson played in 13 games, throwing for 2,549 yards with a 63.6% completion rate.  This marks a sharp decline from his 2024 campaign, where he racked up 4,172 passing yards and achieved a 66.7% completion rate. Furthermore, his rushing production fell drastically over the last two seasons, dropping from 915 yards to just 349 yards. 

Although last season was particularly tough due to injury, the inconsistency is clear.

That's why Middlekauf concluded by saying, "Now, whatever he is now is still faster than basically everyone in the league. I think he’s got to find a happy medium of how to stay healthy, what the right body type is for him to feel comfortable, what’s good on his muscles. I think the key to them finding the perfect blend of offense for him, whatever that may be."

Still, if the Ravens want him to remain QB in the coming years, a long-term contract extension will require massive financial guarantees. Experts believe his next deal could reset the entire quarterback market. 

Why the Ravens May Lock Jackson In Now: The $266 Million Question'

Despite signing a $260 million deal in 2023, Lamar Jackson’s average salary has fallen outside the top 10 NFL quarterbacks. However, the 29-year-old remains an elite passer. 

Bleacher Report predicts his next contract will reset the market entirely, projecting a brand new four-year, $266 million extension.

Locking Jackson in early is a highly strategic financial move for the Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti wants to avoid another long, drawn-out negotiation. The team fully understands that delaying the contract will only drive the price tag higher as the NFL salary cap rises. 

Paying Jackson now might seem expensive today. But ultimately, this next deal will become the new financial benchmark for the rest of the league.

What are your thoughts on this?

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar