The debate over who should have been the 2024 NFL MVP may never be settled, and it's kicking off again with Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen set to face off at the start of the 2025 season.
Ravens players, coaches, and the front office have all been clear that they believe Jackson should have won a third MVP after his historic 2024 season. On Wednesday, Jackson was asked for the first time about his thoughts on the award going to Allen.
"The voters chose who they wanted to pick," Jackson said. "It is what it is. It is what it is."
Jackson was overwhelmingly named a first-team All-Pro by 30 of the 50 voters, while Allen received just 18 first-place votes. However, some of those same voters named Allen their MVP, as he got 27 first-place votes to Jackson's 23. It was the first time since 1987 that the league's MVP (John Elway) was not a first-team All-Pro.
Jackson had one of the greatest seasons by a quarterback in league history. His 119.6 passer rating ranked fourth all-time for a single season. Jackson threw for more yards (4,172-3,731), more touchdowns (41-28), fewer interceptions (four-six), and ran for more yards (915-531) than Allen. The Ravens had the league's top-ranked offense.
However, voters who went with Allen essentially said he won their vote because he had fewer weapons around him and led the Bills to more success than they expected. There may have also been an element of "voter fatigue" with Jackson already having won the award in 2019 and 2023.
There was a wave of outrage after the vote, both nationally and in Baltimore, and some media members who cast their vote for Allen have since expressed regret. They'll be watching another head-to-head battle between the quarterbacks on "Sunday Night Football" to kick off this year's MVP race.
Jackson on Contract Extension: 'That Time Will Come'
Jackson has never been one to shed light on his contract negotiations and he wasn't about to start Wednesday with the first game just four days away.
"The season's here, I'm not worried about that," Jackson said. "You were better off asking me that during camp. I'm locked in, man. I'm ready for the season to start. That time will come."
The Ravens got an extension done with safety Kyle Hamilton last week and have several other candidates in waiting. Jackson is the biggest piece of the puzzle and is widely expected to become the NFL's highest-paid player when he does ink his next deal.
While Jackson's salary is $43.5 million of the Ravens' salary cap this year, it jumps to $74.5 million each of the next two seasons, per OvertheCap.com.
Isaiah Likely 'May Be Ahead of Schedule'
While tight end Isaiah Likely has yet to return to practice following his training camp foot injury, his return is not too far off.
Head Coach John Harbaugh and Likely had a conversation at the start of practice Wednesday. Harbaugh said Likely "may be ahead of schedule."
"We'll just have to see how that goes going forward," Harbaugh said. "I think he's been good. He's probably going to start getting antsy here pretty soon, though."
Mark Andrews Has High Praise for Charlie Kolar
Until Likely returns, Charlie Kolar will be the Ravens' No. 2 tight end. Mark Andrews believes Kolar is up to the task.
"He's had one of the best camps I've really ever seen by a player. A total stud," Andrews said. "He's been balling out, taking a big workload. He's just continued to make big strides. He's doing incredible in the blocking game, but he's running great routes, and he's looking really fluid. So, I'm excited about him. He's going to have a big year."
Kolar made a career-high nine catches for 131 yards last season, but made his biggest gains as a blocker, where he was a key part of the Ravens' league-leading rushing attack. With Likely out, Kolar could see a large role as a receiver, which is where he shined in college.
