Jesse Minter Weighs In: Should Lamar Jackson Run More?

NFL
By Birendra Singh
Lamar Jackson running debate
Jesse Minter debates Lamar Jackson’s running frequency next season. [Image Source: ATHLONSPORTS]

Head Coach Jesse Minter offered insight into his approach with quarterback Lamar Jackson during an interview on ESPN’s The Rich Eisen Show at the NFL Scouting Combine. Minter, who has kept much of his dialogue with Jackson private, described their early interactions and his vision for the player’s role with the Baltimore Ravens moving forward.

I feel like the relationship is off to a great start and headed in a great direction,

Minter remarked, recalling Jackson’s interest in his plans for the offense and team during their Zoom conversations throughout the coaching interview process.

He wanted to hear my vision for him, the offense, the team.

Minter emphasized that his aim is to build an offense that fully leverages Jackson’s strengths and allows him to continue performing as an MVP-caliber player.

Really just building a system that allows him to thrive and be the MVP caliber player that he’s been,

Minter explained.

When pressed about whether Jackson should increase his rushing attempts next season, Minter noted that the quarterback’s workload on the ground has notably decreased in 2025. Jackson posted career lows with just 67 carries, 349 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns, a significant drop from previous years where he set all-time and single-season records for rushing yards by a quarterback.

Lamar Jackson
Image of: Lamar Jackson

I don’t know if he needs to run more. I actually think there’s times where he can run less,

said Minter. He described an offensive strategy that capitalizes on the downhill running game from under center, which in turn opens up opportunities for boots and play-action passes that Jackson can exploit with his athleticism. This approach relies on Jackson’s ability to adapt when the planned play isn’t perfect, using his skill set to make impactful second plays.

I think there’s high leverage moments where the quarterback’s willing to do what he needs to do to win the game, or win the play, or whatever it might be. And then I think there’s times where, you know, this is a franchise player. This is a guy you want to be the quarterback for a long, long time. And so, there’s a health element and a protection element that needs to be in place to where he’s not taking some of the hits that he doesn’t need to. So, I think it’s a great balance there. You want him to be what’s made him great.

Minter’s remarks reflect a careful balance between preserving Jackson’s health and maximizing his unique playing style for the longest-term benefit of the franchise.

Eric DeCosta’s Remarks Highlight Urgency in Tyler Linderbaum Contract Talks

General Manager Eric DeCosta’s candid comments at the Combine revealed the Ravens’ commitment to re-signing center Tyler Linderbaum, who is about to enter free agency. The team has offered Linderbaum a market-leading contract to secure his services, as reported by The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec.

Zrebiec pointed out that DeCosta usually avoids discussing contract negotiations publicly, underscoring the importance of these remarks. According to Zrebiec, DeCosta conveyed that the franchise is unlikely to resort to tagging Linderbaum, indicating that a long-term extension is critical.

DeCosta said the Ravens probably wouldn’t use the franchise or transition tags to keep Linderbaum off the free-agent market, meaning an extension is a must,

Zrebiec wrote. He noted that DeCosta’s openness about the offered deal signals both urgency in negotiations and a message to teammates and fans about the team’s commitment.

DeCosta is very media savvy, and he says nothing by accident. Uncharacteristically providing details of the offer to Linderbaum serves only two purposes for the Ravens. One, it applies some pressure on Linderbaum and his veteran agent, Neil Cornrich, to come to the bargaining table or at least respond to Baltimore’s offer. Two, it sends a message to the team’s players and fans that the Ravens are trying to keep the popular Linderbaum, and if they can’t, it won’t be because of a lack of effort.

The center’s value is clear, as Linderbaum would be among the most sought-after free agents if he enters the open market. With the league’s legal tampering window beginning March 9 and free agency opening March 11, time is running short for the Ravens to resolve the situation.

If you are in the camp that the Ravens simply can’t allow Linderbaum to leave, an outcome that would add significantly to an already daunting offseason offensive line build, then it’s probably time to start getting nervous,

Zrebiec warned.

Each day closer to March 9 increases the chances that Linderbaum will be playing his football elsewhere in 2026.

The Ravens faced similar pressure last offseason with left tackle Ronnie Stanley, ultimately re-signing him just days before free agency began. Sources indicate the team remains hopeful for a comparable resolution with Linderbaum.

The #Ravens remain hopeful they can get a deal done with C Tyler Linderbaum before he reaches the open market, just like they did last year with LT Ronnie Stanley, per sources.Linderbaum is generating a ton of buzz from teams I’ve spoken to. If he reaches the open market, the…

— Jordan Schultz

Experts Suggest Short-Term Deal for Trey Hendrickson Could Benefit Ravens

Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, a pending free agent, is drawing attention from the Ravens as a potential addition to their defensive front. NFL analyst Nick Shook recently highlighted Baltimore as the best fit for the Cincinnati Bengals’ four-time Pro Bowler.

Adding Hendrickson on an expensive but short-term deal would provide the Ravens with a proven edge rusher capable of harassing opposing quarterbacks and returning some strength to their front,

Shook explained. He noted that Baltimore’s strategy over the last decade includes signing veteran players chasing a Super Bowl opportunity and slotting them into impactful roles.

Hendrickson would also fit into an established approach adopted by the Ravens over the last decade, one in which they entice veterans looking to chase a ring and manage to fit them into roles in which they make a difference (e.g., Kyle Van Noy in 2023 and 2024). It’s a short-term solution, but it’s a strong answer to one of Baltimore’s biggest lingering questions.

Hendrickson, 31, appeared in seven games during the last season before a core muscle injury sidelined him. He tallied four sacks in 2025, following back-to-back years with 17.5 sacks each in 2023 and 2024, validating his status as a top-tier pass rusher.

DeAndre Hopkins Excels as a Contested-Catch Receiver Despite Reduced Targets

At 33 years old, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins continues to demonstrate elite ability in contested catch situations, maintaining his reputation as one of the top receivers in the league under pressure. Despite fewer targets in 2025, Hopkins made significant plays for the Ravens.

Pro Football Focus ranked Hopkins seventh among receivers in contested catches last season, underscoring his skill in tight coverage scenarios.

Hopkins is firmly one of the league’s greatest contested catch artists ever,

wrote PFF’s Daire Carragher. Over the past decade, Hopkins has recorded 119 contested catches, second only to Mike Evans.

Although Hopkins amassed only 330 receiving yards in 2025, a remarkable 191 of those yards came on contested receptions. He finished the year with the highest receiving grade on contested targets at 97.3 from PFF.

Hopkins finished the season as PFF’s highest-graded wide receiver on contested targets with a 97.3 receiving grade. Eight of Hopkins’ 11 contested catches went for first downs, while two more were touchdowns. Lamar Jackson had a 142.0 passer rating when throwing to Hopkins in traffic.

This performance highlights Hopkins’ continuing value to the Ravens’ passing attack and his connection with Lamar Jackson, especially in difficult coverage.

Additional Updates from the NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine offered several noteworthy moments and discussions beyond the Ravens’ key players and contract negotiations. Bradley Bozeman appeared on media panels, reflecting on his retirement and relationships within the Ravens organization, including a heartfelt connection with Mo Gaba.

Mock drafts and analyses continued to circulate, projecting landing spots for the league’s top wide receivers and reviewing coaching hires across the NFL since 2000, offering insights into average team performances during new coaching tenures.

Latest statistics revealed rushing leaders from the past season, with the Buffalo Bills prominently featured, demonstrating the league-wide competition in ground games.

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