The Baltimore Ravens thought they had finally caught a break. For years, one man stood between Lamar Jackson and a clear path to the AFC North crown — Cleveland’s Myles Garrett. But in a blockbuster June 1 move that sent shockwaves through the league, the Browns reportedly shipped Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for a package centered around rising star Jared Verse. And while the Ravens’ franchise quarterback tried to play nice, sources close to the team say Jackson’s reaction tells a much bigger story.
Jackson’s ‘Awesome’ Moment — What He Really Meant
At mandatory minicamp Wednesday, Jackson was caught on camera beaming when a reporter mentioned Garrett’s departure from the division. The clip, shared by ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, shows Jackson breaking into a wide grin before blurting out, “Yes, awesome!” But insiders claim that wasn’t just relief — it was the tip of an iceberg. “Lamar has been dealing with Garrett’s shadow for half a decade,” one team source told us. “Seeing him leave the division isn’t just a win — it’s a seismic shift in the balance of power.”
Jackson did acknowledge Verse’s talent, saying, “He good too! Shouts out to him. Shouts out to Myles, congratulations on that. But yes! That’s awesome.” Yet observers note the contrast: Jackson’s praise for Verse was measured, while his joy over Garrett’s exit was unmistakable. Could this be the edge the Ravens need to finally dominate?
The Numbers That Haunted Baltimore
Garrett’s track record against the Ravens reads like a horror script. In 16 career meetings, the six-time Pro Bowler racked up 14 sacks, including a four-sack demolition in their most recent matchup this past November. According to league sources, that performance alone reportedly left Baltimore’s offensive coaching staff scrambling for answers. “They’ve been trying to scheme around that guy for years,” an anonymous NFC executive told our team. “Now he’s gone — and the entire AFC North is breathing a sigh of relief.”
What Garrett’s Move Really Means for the Ravens
With Garrett now terrorizing the NFC West on an already staunch Rams defense, the Ravens face a transformed landscape. Los Angeles nearly reached the Super Bowl last season without Garrett — and with him leading the charge, insiders predict they become immediate NFC favorites. But for Baltimore, the focus shifts inward. Jackson is reportedly “fired up” to return to MVP form after a 2025 campaign marred by injuries. New head coach Jesse Minter is tasked with revamping a defense that underperformed.
“This could be the moment the Ravens have been waiting for,” a former AFC scout speculated. “No more Garrett. Verse is good, but he’s not four-sacks-in-one-game good yet. If Lamar stays healthy, this division is theirs to lose.” Still, some league insiders caution that Jackson’s visible relief might signal a deeper psychological weight lifted — and whether that translates to on-field dominance remains to be seen.
The Bottom Line
As the Ravens prepare for training camp, one thing is clear: Garrett’s shadow no longer looms over the AFC North. And if Jackson’s smile is any indication, Baltimore isn’t just happy about it — they’re ready to capitalize. But with the Browns adding a young star in Verse, the division war might just be entering a new, unpredictable chapter.
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