Will the Ravens and Lamar Jackson agree to a contract extension before next season starts*?*

Jackson wasn't stressed this week when asked about the status of his contract negotiations. "We haven't talked about it yet, but I've got to worry about getting back right, getting ready for this offseason," Jackson said. However, Jackson is the team's franchise player entering the final year of his rookie deal. His next contract that will have significant salary cap implications, making the timing of it even more important.

Will Lamar Jackson return to MVP form in 2022?

Jackson was sensational early in 2021, leading Baltimore to a 5-1 start with three come-from-behind victories. However, his play tailed off before a Dec. 12 season-ending ankle injury, and his continued growth at age 25 is critical to Baltimore's future success. Jackson will look to improve all aspects of his game this offseason, including throwing accuracy, decision-making and pre-snap recognition of defenses. He plays the game's most important position and when at his best, the Ravens are difficult to beat.

Will Ronnie Stanley return to All-Pro form?

Stanley couldn't get beyond Week 1 this season, ultimately having more surgery on the ankle that he originally injured in November of 2020. Stanley was the best left tackle in football before his injury and remains confident he can return to being dominant. However, Stanley faces an important offseason of rehab, one of many Ravens hoping for better health in 2022.

What's next for Calais Campbell?

There's a lot up in the air with Campbell, who ended his 14th NFL season remaining one of the league's top interior defensive linemen. Campbell is torn between retiring and chasing a Super Bowl ring again. If he decides to keep playing, Campbell is a pending free agent who could test the market, but he loves playing in Baltimore and his teammates would love for him to return.

Will Bradley Bozeman re-sign with the Ravens?

The pending free agent has been the team's most durable offensive lineman the past three years and made a successful transition from left guard to center, which he considers his natural position. Bozeman is a starting offensive lineman entering the prime of his career, which could raise his price tag on the open market. Bozeman will get a new deal, but will it be in Baltimore or elsewhere?

How do the Ravens improve the offensive line?

Stanley's health and Bozeman's status are just part of a fluid offensive line equation. The Ravens gave up a franchise-high 57 sacks this year, the second most in the NFL. So they'll look to improve. Will the versatile Patrick Mekari stay at right tackle or move back inside? Will Ja'Wuan James compete for a starting tackle position? Will the Ravens address the offensive line heavily in the draft, perhaps as early as the 14th-overall pick? For a team that relies heavily on its running game, finding a cohesive five-man unit for 2022 that can build chemistry next year and beyond is a top priority.

How the Ravens address a veteran defensive line?

The Ravens' defensive line questions go beyond Campbell. Brandon Williams is also a pending free agent and Derek Wolfe's health is a factor after he didn't play all year due to a back issue. Baltimore ranked No. 1 against the run and Williams' presence as one of the NFL's best run-stuffers continued, but is now the time to get younger? The Ravens have two young defensive linemen in Justin Madubuike and Broderick Washington Jr., who took a step up this season. However, the loss of Williams would leave a void, even more so if Campbell does not return.

Do the Ravens pick up Marquise Brown's fifth-year option?

The Ravens will have to make a decision on the future of 2019 first-round wide receiver Marquise Brown. Picking up his fifth-year option would mean he's on the books for a projected $13 million in 2023. Do the Ravens get an extension done with him before then? Brown has improved each of his three seasons and topped 1,000 yards this year, but even he wasn't pleased with how the season ended and sees a lot more potential.

Can the Ravens secondary return to being one of the team's biggest assets?

Season-ending injuries to Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters and DeShon Elliott took three-fourths of the starting secondary away before the season ended. Elliott and cornerback Anthony Averett are key free agents, as is Jimmy Smith, who may retire. The hope is that Humphrey and Peters will stay healthy next season, but it's crucial for the Ravens to return a deep and versatile secondary that can matchup against the offenses that shredded them in 2021, such as the division-winning Bengals. The Ravens finished last in the NFL against the pass.

How do the Ravens recover from, and prevent, so many injuries?

Injuries derailed the Ravens' 2021 campaign. First of all, rehab will be essential for Stanley, Humphrey, Peters, J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Tyus Bowser and others. The Ravens need them back to playing at a high level next season. The Ravens also need to figure out a way to prevent so many injuries from happening again, something they will attack this offseason with a magnifying glass.