Luke Altmyer, Illinois quarterback and rising star, recently expressed his admiration for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at a Chicago Cubs game. During a media session, he identified Jackson as part of a select group of elite NFL quarterbacks he follows, which includes Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. Altmyer emphasized the importance of learning from these top performers, stating that he absorbs insights from their unique playing styles.

Coming off a successful season where he completed 60% of his passes for over 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns, Altmyer also shared that Russell Wilson is his primary role model. This connection is particularly meaningful as Wilson was coached by Illinois head coach Bret Bielema during his college days at Wisconsin. As Altmyer develops his skills, he continues to draw inspiration from Jackson's dual-threat capabilities, which embodies the evolution of the quarterback position.

As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, the quarterback debate continues to ignite passions among fans and analysts alike. Positioning quarterbacks into tiers offers a fresh perspective on evaluating their potential and performance. Tier 1 showcases transcendent talents like Patrick Mahomes, known for his game-changing abilities despite a recent Super Bowl setback. Others in this elite group include Josh Allen, recognized for his dual-threat capabilities, and Lamar Jackson, whose electrifying plays keep defenses on edge.

Notably, emerging stars such as Jayden Daniels bring excitement to their franchises. Meanwhile, Tier 2 quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff exemplify the fine line between star potential and reliance on team support. Evaluating these players within their contexts emphasizes that a quarterback's success is often tied to their surrounding talent, creating an intricate web of performance metrics to consider moving forward.

Lamar Jackson has expressed his desire for the Baltimore Ravens to acquire specific players to enhance their roster. This plea highlights his commitment to the team's success amid the pressures of the current season. As the Ravens approach critical games, Jackson's input on player acquisitions could play a vital role in shaping the future of the team.

Such discussions signify the importance of collaboration between players and management, especially when considering trades to bolster the team's performance. The Ravens are currently evaluating their options as they aim to remain competitive in a challenging division.

The Baltimore Ravens continue to demonstrate their prowess in the AFC, finishing the 2023 regular season with a remarkable point differential, tying with the Buffalo Bills. Despite a strong showing, the Ravens faced an unfortunate elimination in the Divisional Round, falling to the Bills for the second consecutive year. Lamar Jackson, who had another outstanding season, is again in the MVP conversation, showcasing his dual-threat abilities as both a passer and a runner.

Jackson's performance has been pivotal for the Ravens, who have become a dominant force in the regular season yet have struggled to translate that into postseason success. The team's strategy has relied heavily on Jackson's unique skill set, but questions loom about the supporting cast and the ability to secure victories in critical playoff scenarios.

In a surprising turn, the Baltimore Ravens have signed former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, just a day after quarterback Lamar Jackson expressed a strong desire to have him join the team. Alexander had been released by the Green Bay Packers due to health concerns, leaving his future uncertain. However, Jackson's vocal support seemed to accelerate the Ravens' decision to secure his services.

Jackson's endorsement came during a press conference, where he emphasized the importance of adding Alexander to the Ravens' roster. This move not only showcases Jackson's influence within the franchise but also highlights the Ravens' commitment to building a competitive team around their star quarterback.