Lamar Jackson reportedly made 1 significant change during offseason

Oct 6, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Speed has always been one of Lamar Jackson’s best assets, and the Baltimore Ravens quarterback is hoping to have even more of it this upcoming season.

Jackson has lost some weight in recent months, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The reigning NFL MVP showed up to organized team activities this week weighing 205 pounds and has lost about 15 pounds since last season and 25 since 2022.

Lamar Jackson looks different this spring. He is intentionally down to 205 pounds — 25 pounds less than his 2022 weight and lower than last season, when he played at 215. The word in Baltimore is this slim Lamar could be even faster than the one we've seen in years past.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) May 21, 2024

One concern is that the slimmer version of Jackson will not be as equipped to take big hits. Though, you could argue that he can avoid more of that contact if he is even quicker.

Jackson rushed for 821 yards in 2024. He also had one of his best NFL passing seasons with a career-high 3,678 yards. Running is always going to be part of his game, so his emphasis needs to be on being as fast as possible while avoiding hits by sliding and getting out of bounds.

While Jackson has a reputation for being injury prone, he has played in 12 or more games in each of his six NFL seasons. Playing smart is more important for him than bulking up to better absorb contact.

Jackson is not the only star AFC quarterback who has tried to slim down this offseason.