Lamar Jackson Makes Feelings Crystal Clear as Ravens Face Crucial Decision on Pass Rushers
The Baltimore Ravens’ locker room buzzed with uncharacteristic tension this week as franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson delivered a pointed message about the team’s defensive needs following swirling rumors about potential reunions with former Pro Bowl linebacker Matthew Judon or veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. “We need dogs who want to be here,” Jackson told reporters after Wednesday’s practice, his tone uncharacteristically sharp as he wiped sweat from his brow. “Not guys chasing checks or holding out for more money when we’re trying to win now.” The comments—Jackson’s most direct public remarks about roster construction since signing his $260 million extension—landed like a grenade at the Ravens’ facility, where front office executives have been quietly exploring options to bolster a pass rush that ranks just 17th in pressure rate despite the team’s 9-3 record.
Jackson’s frustration appears rooted in Baltimore’s recent defensive struggles, particularly during last Sunday’s narrow escape against the Chargers where Justin Herbert was barely touched in the fourth quarter. The Ravens have generated just seven sacks over their last four games, with Odafe Oweh and Tavius Robinson failing to consistently fill the void left by Judon’s 2021 departure and the offseason loss of Justin Houston. Multiple league sources confirm the Ravens have recently inquired about both Judon—who’s reportedly unhappy in New England after being placed on injured reserve—and Clowney, the free agent who revitalized his career in Baltimore last season before signing with Carolina. But Jackson’s public comments suggest he’s wary of disrupting team chemistry for short-term rentals, especially with Baltimore holding the AFC’s top seed and legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
Judon’s situation presents particular intrigue. The four-time Pro Bowler remains one of Jackson’s closest friends from their time together in Baltimore, but his $14 million base salary and desire for a new contract complicate any potential trade. The Patriots have fielded calls from multiple contenders about the 31-year-old edge rusher, who racked up 12.5 sacks last season before suffering a torn biceps in October. New England would likely demand at least a third-round pick while expecting the acquiring team to absorb Judon’s current deal, a steep price for a player who may not return to full health until December. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has historically avoided midseason trades involving premium draft capital, but the organization’s all-in mentality this year—coupled with Jackson’s prime window—could force a reevaluation.
Clowney represents a more straightforward option. The former No. 1 overall pick remains unsigned after a messy Panthers divorce where he publicly criticized coaches, but his 9.5-sack campaign in Baltimore last season proved he can thrive in Mike Macdonald’s system. League sources indicate Clowney has been training in Arizona and would welcome a Ravens reunion, though his asking price (believed to be around $5 million for the remainder of the season) may give pause. Jackson’s comments about “guys chasing checks” take on added significance here—while Clowney played hard for Baltimore last year, his reputation as a mercenary precedes him after stops in Seattle, Tennessee, and Cleveland.
The quarterback’s unusual public candor reflects growing urgency within the Ravens’ facility. At 26 and in his physical prime, Jackson recognizes this may be his best supporting cast yet—from a revamped receiving corps to the NFL’s top-ranked defense—but also sees how Kansas City’s Chris Jones and Philadelphia’s Haason Reddick have swung playoff games with timely pressures. His message seems aimed as much at DeCosta as potential acquisitions: the time for half-measures has passed. “I trust EDC to do what’s right,” Jackson said, using the GM’s nickname before adding, “but we can’t be cute when other teams are loading up.” The veiled reference to contenders like the 49ers (Chase Young) and Dolphins (Bradley Chubb) acquiring impact pass rushers wasn’t lost on observers.
Baltimore’s internal evaluations paint a mixed picture. Advanced metrics show the Ravens’ blitz-heavy scheme (Macdonald sends extra rushers on 42.3% of dropbacks, highest in NFL) has masked their lack of elite edge talent. But that approach leaves them vulnerable against elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, who carved them up in Week 11 when Baltimore generated pressure on just 18.9% of his dropbacks. Veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy leads the team with 6.5 sacks, but at 32 years old, his snap count must be carefully managed. Rookie David Ojabo shows flashes but remains raw, leaving Oweh as the only every-down threat—and his 11.7% pressure rate ranks 47th among edge defenders.
Financial considerations further complicate matters. The Ravens have just $3.2 million in current cap space, meaning any significant addition would require creative restructuring—likely starting with Jackson’s deal. While the quarterback has previously been amenable to adjustments (he converted $12 million of this year’s salary into a bonus last offseason), his “chasing checks” remark suggests he may frown upon creating space for a high-priced veteran. This puts DeCosta in a delicate position: appease his franchise cornerstone while addressing a clear roster weakness that could derail their Super Bowl hopes.
Jackson’s leadership style makes this public nudge particularly noteworthy. Unlike more vocal stars, he typically avoids roster-related comments, preferring to lead by example on the field. That he chose this moment to speak out—days before critical matchups against the Rams and Jaguars—signals both his growing comfort as a locker room voice and his acute awareness of this team’s championship potential. Teammates took notice, with linebacker Roquan Smith telling reporters, “When Lamar talks, we all listen. He’s not just our QB—he’s the soul of this team.”
The coming days will reveal whether Jackson’s words spur action. Judon’s health and contract demands may ultimately price him out of Baltimore’s range, while Clowney’s baggage could outweigh his familiarity with the system. Other options like the Vikings’ Danielle Hunter (unlikely to be traded) or the Bears’ Yannick Ngakoue (struggling in Chicago) present alternative avenues, though each carries complications.
What’s clear is Jackson has drawn his line in the sand. After years of carrying undermanned Ravens teams, he recognizes this roster’s special qualities—from the NFL’s best secondary to an offense finally built around his strengths—and won’t let pass-rushing deficiencies sabotage their shot at glory. His message wasn’t just about Judon or Clowney; it was a declaration that mediocrity won’t be tolerated, not when the Lombardi Trophy is within reach. As Baltimore navigates the stretch run, one thing is certain: Lamar Jackson has made his expectations abundantly clear. Now, it’s on the front office to deliver.
For a franchise that’s long prided itself on defensive dominance, the irony is rich. The Ravens’ most explosive offensive weapon may ultimately be the catalyst for shoring up their pass rush. If Baltimore makes a move in the coming days, credit won’t go to advanced metrics or scouting reports—it’ll belong to the quarterback who looked his bosses in the eye and told them exactly what this team needs to finish the job. In a season full of statement wins, this may be Lamar Jackson’s most important message yet.
