Lamar Jackson opens 2026 preseason among MVP frontrunners

The quarterback opens camp as a top contender.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 81 min read

The MVP conversation is starting early and Lamar Jackson is right in the middle of it. https://t.co/KpebFHV5Wc Via @Ravens on X

What happened: The two-time winner is at the center of the early NFL most valuable player conversation. Jackson enters the 2026 campaign seeking his third individual honor.

Why it matters: Jackson is preparing for his ninth season as Baltimore defends its Super Bowl title. He is transitioning to a new scheme under offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, matching the first-year playcaller conditions that preceded his previous MVP awards in 2019 and 2023.

By the numbers: The quarterback holds consensus preseason in the range, trailing only Josh Allen for the award.

What to watch: Training camp begins on July 29, offering the first on-field look at the team's adjusted offensive approach.

Sources

@Ravens 2026-07-08T21:24:20.572765+00:00

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