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Offseason in three or fewer words: All about Lamar

On the field, the Ravens need to better protect quarterback Lamar Jackson, and team officials understand that building a better wall in front of him has become a priority. In their season-ending news conferences, both coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta emphasized the importance of addressing the offensive line, which allowed Jackson to get sacked a career-worst 38 times. Off the field, Baltimore is working on a contract extension with Jackson, who is entering his fifth-year option. A new deal could create $10 million in additional cap space heading into free agency. -- Jamison Hensley

Lamar Jackson's looming contract situation stands as the biggest subplot around the Ravens as the offseason begins. The quarterback is set to enter the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, which means it's time to do business. Baltimore needs to lock up the former MVP to a long-term pact, then act aggressively to improve a subpar offensive line through free agency and the draft. Jackson was sacked a career-high 38 times and spent the season's final weeks on the sideline with an ankle injury. Protect your best player.

Injuries and Covid crippled this team last season, and they still pushed for a playoff spot. The improvement of the outside passing game has to be a priority this offseason.

Why the big jump? Well, they haven't had any Pro Bowlers hurt in the last six weeks and brought back a bright young coordinator, Mike Macdonald, to run a defense that went off the rails in 2021.

It's still a bit jarring to see the Ravens at the bottom of the 2021 AFC South standings (below Cleveland because of their 1-5 division record), and to not hear Lamar Jackson's name mentioned among the AFC quarterback juggernauts. That speaks to how disappointing the season was for Baltimore, and just how much injuries derailed its dreams. Now, the Ravens have questions to answer regarding Jackson's contract (he became eligible for an extension last year) and what the defense will look like after John Harbaugh replaced Don "Wink" Martindale with Mike Macdonald.