Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Sidesteps Contract Talks Amid $74M Cap Challenge

Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens' star quarterback, is not currently focused on contract extension talks despite his looming cap hit and the Ravens' significant financial considerations for 2026. Jackson, who signed a five-year, $260 million deal in 2023 making him the highest-paid player at the time, now ranks 10th in average salary among NFL quarterbacks and will not be a free agent until 2028. With the 2025 NFL season underway, Jackson emphasized that his priority is the season itself, brushing off questions about his contract status with a relaxed attitude. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta confirmed that contract negotiations with Jackson, who represents himself, are ongoing but prefers to keep these discussions private. Analysts suggest Jackson aims to secure a larger contract but wants to win a championship before finalizing an extension, and with other top quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes already signing new deals, Jackson's next contract could reset the quarterback market. Meanwhile, Baltimore is managing cap space carefully, having secured key players like Kyle Hamilton and Derrick Henry with significant extensions to maintain a competitive roster.