There’s one big factor that should have the Baltimore Ravens feeling no pressure to hurry a Lamar Jackson extension
The Lamar Jackson extension saga in Baltimore continues but the Ravens shouldn’t feel any pressure just yet.
The Baltimore Ravens‘ offseason progress should be cause for plenty of optimism entering into 2026. But the unsettled matter of Lamar Jackson and his ongoing contract negotiations with the team does leave some lingering questions and uncertainty.
Jackson is under contract for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons before his current deal runs out. At the end of the 2027 season, Jackson is currently set to become a free agent and he also secured a “no tag” clause in his current deal. The questions are plentiful. But the Ravens do have one thing still on their side.
The Baltimore Ravens should take their time on a Lamar Jackson extension
The idea behind contract extensions is to get them done before the price skies even higher. But that is where the Baltimore Ravens are best positioned to take their time with this negotiation. Look across the rest of the NFL. Show me the remaining threats to raise the ceiling on quarterback compensation in the NFL?
Dak Prescott is the current annual average salary king, signing a four-year, $240 million contract with the Cowboys back in 2024. In the time that has passed since, we have seen deals made for MVPs Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford in each of the last two offseasons. Both contracts have checked in at $55 million annual average (although Stafford can reach $6oM with incentives). Who are the upcoming extension candidates that threaten Prescott’s mark? CJ Stroud in Houston? Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay? Yeah, I don’t think so.
The market is the market…for now
Perhaps Drake Maye in New England is a threat. He’ll be eligible AFTER the 2026 season is complete. So, too, will Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. That clock starts next offseason.
So for Baltimore, you have Lamar coming off of a disappointing season while reaching closer to the age of 30. He’s high cost, but under control in 2027 regardless with his current contract. And you’ve already accomplished the hard part for 2026 — he converted salary to reduce his cap charge for this season.
Jackson has been more present for the early phases of the offseason program than in years past with a new offensive coordinator and head coach in town. We seem ready to push play on this season, new deal or not. And so the question begs to be asked — why rush it? What’s the hurry? You’re not racing against any other potential extensions and the high dollar amount is going to be the same next February as it is this May.
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