The Baltimore Ravens had one huge hurdle to get over this offseason, paying quarterback Lamar Jackson. 

Baltimore placed the non-exclusive tag on Jackson back in March, which came five days after the former MVP requested trade five days earlier. In late April, cooler heads prevailed, and Jackson signed a five-year extension worth $260 million with $185 million in guaranteed money.

With his long-term security taken care of, Jackson would spend the offseason learning a completely new offense as Todd Monken replaced Greg Roman. Jackson's due diligence while getting everything down is quite astonishing. 

“I had to study and then just saying the plays out loud," said Jackson. "Saying them in my mind. Turn the page, say the play, and then go back to see if I’m right on the play. Just learning the routes on the play, stuff like that.” 

Jackson will have a completely different supporting cast this season. The Ravens signed Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor, and they also drafted Zay Flowers in the first round. 

This gives Jackson the best set of weapons that he's had since entering the NFL, and he's anxious to let them shine.

“Let’s get these guys the ball and let them do them," Jackson said. "We have the guys that will make stuff happen, get yards after the catch. That’s all … The only thing that goes through my head is just getting them the ball and letting them do them.”

It's one thing to be good, but great players go the extra mile to set themselves apart. Jackson went to Miami with Beckham and Flowers to get some offseason work in and build chemistry.

Jackson did the right thing with this approach, especially since it's his first season playing with Beckham and Flowers. Although it hasn't been long, Jackson feels it has been more than helpful.

“I feel like it paid off a lot, just learning chemistry, learning those guys’ speed, and they are learning my – I’m going to say my pass velocity on the ball – and the timing and knowing where to be at and stuff like that. I feel like it paid off a lot.”  

Jackson's willingness to put in extra time and perfect his craft plus being unselfish with his teammates are reasons why the Ravens trust him, gave him more weapons, and his long-term deal. He's their guy.

Mark Andrews talks about important change he has to tackle in 2023

Things will be different.

Feature image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports