10 June 2023 , 18:48
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Lamar Jackson has admitted he will take a new approach this upcoming year after much change this past off-season.
The quarterback was made the highest-paid player in the NFL after he finally came to an agreement with the Baltimore Ravens after 18 months of negotiations.
Jackson had been annoyed with the Ravens after they failed to meet his demands in two straight off-seasons, going public with his request to be traded before the team gave in to his demands in giving him the huge extension, as well as signing Odell Beckham Jr.
It's a huge boost for the Ravens to have him back, with the team expected to be up there among the contenders for the Super Bowl once again.
And after being shown the team's desire to keep Jackson around and build around him, it appears the quarterback is all-in and repaying that faith, and will take on further roles this season.
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He told ESPN: "I'm going to try to be more of a vocal leader, because Coach [Harbaugh] was like, ‘You need to start speaking more,' I just try to lead by example, but I'll try to be more of a vocal leader."
The Ravens are set to look like a very different offense this season, with Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken taking over playcalling duties - a big switch from Greg Roman, who Jackson had been with throughout his career.
Jackson is speaking very confidently ahead of the new seasonIn the years of Jackson's success, the Ravens and Roman had been a run-heavy offense, with the team looking to utilise his unique running style.
But it appears they'll be making a shift this year, with Monken being a pass-first playcaller, while Jackson has already dropped hints that he'll be throwing much more this season.
Jackson added: "Coach Monken is basically just giving us the keys to the offense, really. I'm loving it."
As well as signing Beckham Jr, the Ravens also added first-round wide receiver Zay Flowers, to go along with pass-catching tight end Mark Andrews, giving Jackson the best array of weapons that he's had throughout his NFL career.