Ravens QB Lamar Jackson aims to slim down in offseason for agility

Will the league’s most dynamic quarterback pose an even greater threat with his legs this season?

Lamar Jackson believes so, which is why he was noticeably absent from the Ravens’ organized team activities this week.

“I’m more agile now, able to move more,” Jackson told reporters on Wednesday. “I feel great right now.”

Jackson mentioned he is currently “two pounds heavier,” but declined to disclose his exact weight. When asked if he had a target weight, Jackson responded, “Just under 230 pounds.” In a video released by Complex Sports last week, Jackson stated that he weighed 230 pounds in 2022, 215 pounds in 2023, and has now dropped to 205 pounds.

Jackson just concluded his second MVP season of his career, throwing for a career-high 3,678 yards while adding 821 yards on the ground. He also accounted for 29 touchdowns (24 passing, 5 rushing) and earned his second first-team All-Pro honors.

“Lamar is a professional. He knows what he’s doing, knows what goals he wants to achieve,” head coach John Harbaugh said on Wednesday regarding Jackson’s weight loss. “What I care about is his current condition – this is the best shape of his life – and he’s working towards that goal, preparing for football, and handling all the related details.”

Jackson has troubled opposing defenses with his ability to escape the pocket and turn it into game-changing plays. His significant improvement in passing last season only makes him more of a threat. As he enters his second year under offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system, his performance stats are expected to improve.

“I’m happy with everything, how he’s organizing the game, his expectations for us, and so on,” Jackson said. “But I’m just looking forward to doing what we’re supposed to do, putting ourselves in a good position this season.”

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The Ravens brought in Derrick Henry during the offseason, which should lighten Jackson’s load. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2019, Jackson has led the Ravens in rushing every season. But Jackson’s tough, improvisational running style is undoubtedly necessary, and the 27-year-old quarterback is preparing for those moments.

After Jackson won the MVP award, the Baltimore team became the AFC’s top seed, but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. This home loss has lingered with the Ravens since January.

“I believe it motivated us throughout the offseason,” Jackson said. “People are still talking about it, and we players are still talking about it. Being just one step away from success undoubtedly left a bitter taste. We worked so hard to achieve our goal but didn’t do what we wanted to do, didn’t achieve our dreams. It undoubtedly left us feeling somewhat upset.”

The Ravens won’t have to wait long for revenge, as they will have a rematch with the Chiefs at the start of the 2024 season. Jackson is preparing physically, hoping to help the Baltimore team overcome this challenge with the aid of their outstanding quarterback.