Lamar Jackson isn't ready to discuss the future after a missed Tyler Loop field goal at the end of Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers ended the Baltimore Ravens' season.
"Definitely. Definitely stunned," Jackson said, via the team's official transcript. "I thought we had it in the bag. I thought we had it in the bag. I don't know what else we can do."
The Ravens' performance epitomized a disappointing season. After starting with a bang, taking a 10-0 lead, the offense couldn't find traction, particularly in the passing game. Baltimore generated just two first downs on four possessions after taking a double-digit lead, including a Jackson interception that allowed the Steelers to take the lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Baltimore's defense got bowled over, particularly after star safety Kyle Hamilton exited, allowing Pittsburgh to score on four of its five second-half drives, including back-to-back touchdowns to close the contest.
Despite the struggles in the second and third quarters, Jackson put Baltimore in position to win in the final frame, splashing big plays, including touchdown tosses of 50 and 64 yards. The QB perfectly placed a 26-yard lob on fourth-and-7 to Isaiah Likely to set up Loop's attempt, which sailed wide right.
Following the stunning defeat, Jackson wasn't ready to discuss the future.
"We just lost a game -- a divisional game -- a game to put us in the playoffs," he said when asked if he feels like he'll remain a Raven in 2026. "I'm not even thinking about that right now, to be honest with you. I'm still caught up in what just happened. That's not my focus right now."
During a tumultuous 8-9 campaign, there have been rumblings that the Ravens might need a reset, whether that's moving on from Jackson and/or potentially head coach John Harbaugh.
Asked if he wanted Harbaugh back next season, Jackson passed.
"You're asking me about next year," he said. "I'm so caught up in what just happened tonight. I can't focus on that right now, I just told you. Like he asked me, 'Are you stunned?' I'm stunned right now, and I'm still trying to process what's going on. I know we lost, but what the ... you know?"
Jackson might not yet be ready to answer those questions, but with the Ravens losing four of their final six games, the inquiries in Baltimore aren't going away in the coming weeks and months.
