Sources: Ravens didn't assure OC candidates that Lamar will return

The Baltimore Ravens didn't provide full assurances that Lamar Jackson would return as the team's quarterback in 2023 while conducting offensive coordinator interviews, sources told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.

Jackson is expected to receive the franchise tag this offseason, keeping him off the free-agent market after he played out the final year of his rookie contract. The two sides' continued lack of progress toward a long-term deal could potentially open the door for teams around the league to tempt the Ravens with trade offers.

Baltimore wants Jackson to return, but the organization is currently unsure how the situation with its star quarterback will unfold in the coming weeks, sources said.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said during his end-of-season press conference that he was "200%" confident Jackson is the team's quarterback of the future.

"There's no question about it. Lamar Jackson is our quarterback," Harbaugh said. "Everything we've done in terms of building our offense and building our team … is based on this incredible young man and his talent."

Jackson has been one of the league's most electrifying playmakers since the Ravens drafted him in 2018, winning MVP honors in his second season and leading Baltimore to a 45-16 record in 61 starts. Injuries forced him to miss the final four games in 2021 and the last five games of 2022.

The Ravens parted ways with longtime offensive coordinator Greg Roman following the 2022 campaign. Todd Monken has since been hired as his replacement after winning back-to-back national titles in the same role at Georgia.