Ravens May Seal $287 Million Deal with Lamar Jackson for Five Years
Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is in discussions for a lucrative new contract. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti aims to finalize the deal before free agency begins.
Proposed $287 Million Contract
The Ravens are reportedly considering a five-year deal worth $287 million for Jackson. If successful, this contract would position him as one of the highest-paid players in the NFL, surpassing recent financial benchmarks.
Current Contract Overview
- Remaining contract: 2 years left worth $104 million
- Previous contract offer: 5 years, $262.5 million
- Annual average value: $52.5 million
The market for quarterbacks has shifted since then, with averages climbing to $60 million annually. The new proposal aims to establish a new-money average of approximately $61 million per year.
Breaking Down the New Offer
Under the proposed terms, the Ravens would need to provide a comprehensive new contract, since NFL extensions typically void the existing agreement. To maintain a competitive new-money average, the deal structure would include:
- Five-year total: $287 million
- New average: $61 million per year
- Effective average from signing: $57.4 million
For the Ravens, a significant factor is how the contract’s structure impacts salary cap management. If Jackson receives an upfront signing bonus of $80 million, his adjusted cap hit could be strategically favorable.
Guarantees and Future Implications
In previous negotiations, Jackson had sought fully guaranteed contracts. However, he accepted a deal that included full guarantees for three years. For the new contract, the Ravens must determine how much guaranteed money they can offer while maintaining flexibility.
- Potential structure: Full guarantees for 2026, 2027, and 2028
- Current salary cap impact: Estimated cap space creation of $34.7 million for 2026
While both sides appear motivated to reach an agreement, Jackson’s desire to exceed the contract values set by Dak Prescott raises the stakes. Should negotiations falter, the Ravens hold the option to restructure again in the future.
Conclusion
The Ravens have two years to evaluate their situation with Jackson. After that, he will enter free agency, having a no-tag clause in his contract. As discussions progress, the dynamics of their contract negotiations will determine the future of both Jackson and the franchise.
