Quick answer
Lamar Jackson has played his entire NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens. Drafted in 2018, he joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent, converted from wide receiver to quarterback in 2018, became a starter in 2019, won MVP in 2019, and has remained with the franchise through the 2024 season. The Ravens and Jackson have agreed to contract extensions in 2020 and 2024, keeping him in Baltimore long term.
Team history overview
Lamar Jackson entered the NFL by signing with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in April 2018. The Ravens moved him from wide receiver to quarterback in training camp, named him the starter in 2019, and he rapidly became one of the NFL’s most dynamic two–way players. After a franchise tag in 2020 and a long–term extension in March 2024, he remains the Ravens’ quarterback through the current season and beyond. No other NFL team has featured him on its roster.
Contract milestones
Jackson’s contract timeline highlights his commitment to the Ravens:
- 2018: Signed as undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens.
- 2020: Received a second–round tender and later signed a four–year, $57.75 million extension.
- 2024: Agreed to a three–year, $43.35 million extension, aligning him with the franchise through at least 2026.
On–field performance by season
Since becoming a starter in 2019, Jackson’s performance with the Ravens has defined his career. He earned NFL MVP in 2019, led the Ravens to playoff berths in multiple seasons, and set new career highs in passing yards and touchdowns in 2023. In 2023, he guided Baltimore to the playoffs, completing 64.9% of his passes for 3,223 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 737 rushing yards and 5 scores. The 2024 season further extended his tenure and statistical footprint with the Ravens.
| Season | Team | Passing Yards | TD Passes | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Baltimore Ravens | 3,121 | 17 | 659 | 7 | AFC Champ (W 34–31 vs KC in Super Bowl LIII) |
| 2020 | Baltimore Ravens | 3,243 | 17 | 485 | 7 | Lost Divisional (17–20 @ Titans) |
| 2021 | Baltimore Ravens | 3,601 | 19 | 696 | 10 | Lost Wild Card (17–31 @ Bengals) |
| 2022 | Baltimore Ravens | 3,322 | 18 | 567 | 5 | Lost Divisional (10–17 @ Chiefs) |
| 2023 | Baltimore Ravens | 3,223 | 18 | 737 | 5 | AFC Champ (W 17–10 @ Broncos in AFC Championship) |
| 2024 | Baltimore Ravens | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
What the Ravens have meant to Jackson’s career
The Ravens provided the developmental environment and coaching structure that allowed Jackson to thrive. Under head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the system has emphasized zone-read concepts, improvisational running, and play–action, all of which amplify Jackson’s mobility and decision–making. Baltimore’s defensive strength also gives Jackson a foundation to manage games without requiring unsustainable volume. This alignment of scheme, personnel, and organizational patience explains sustained excellence rather than short–lived spikes.
Path to the NFL and conversion story
Coming out of college, Jackson was projected as a wide receiver. The Ravens saw quarterback potential and, in what became a pivotal decision, kept him at quarterback during training camp in 2018. That choice altered the trajectory of his career and the franchise. Jackson’s speed, vision, and pocket movement became the core identity of a Ravens offense built around timing routes and designed quarterback runs. His ascent from raw prospect to perennial MVP candidate unfolded within a single program.
Future with the Ravens and league outlook
Heading into 2025 and beyond, Jackson remains the Ravens’ cornerstone at quarterback. The 2024 extension signals long–term stability, allowing continuity in play–calling, player development, and culture building. With a supporting cast tailored to his strengths and a defense capable of keeping games competitive, Jackson’s window for contending for additional Super Bowls remains open. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he is expected to continue wearing the purple and black for the foreseeable future.
Key takeaways
- Lamar Jackson has played solely for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.
- Drafted as a wide receiver in 2018, he was converted to quarterback and named starter in 2019.
- He won NFL MVP in 2019 and led Baltimore to a Super Bowl victory in the 2019 season.
- Ravens extended him with a franchise tag in 2020 and a long–term deal in March 2024.
Status and expectations
As of the 2024 season, Lamar Jackson is the Ravens’ starting quarterback and franchise cornerstone. The team is built around his dual–threat capabilities, and the front office has signaled confidence in his long–term trajectory. Injury–free and developing under a stable system, Jackson is positioned to remain the face of the franchise for years, with continued contention built into the immediate future.
Common questions
- Did Lamar Jackson play for any other NFL team? No; he has spent his entire NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens.
- When did he become the Ravens’ starter? He became the starter in 2019 and has held the role since, aside from occasional planned rotations.
- Has he signed a long–term contract? Yes, he signed a three–year extension in 2024, keeping him in Baltimore through at least 2026.
- Could he be traded? Given his contract and centrality to the franchise, a trade is unlikely without significant returns and organizational shifts.
- What position did he play in college? He played wide receiver at Louisville before transitioning to quarterback with the Ravens.