The Baltimore Ravens are confronting a familiar dilemma: how to reward Lamar Jackson while avoiding a salary cap disaster.
Although Jackson’s current deal runs through the end of the 2027 season, the team has already begun what it calls “introductory stage” discussions on a possible long-term extension .
Jackson stirred the pot by skipping voluntary OTAs for a second straight year-costing himself $1.5 million by waiving workout bonuses.
Though head coach John Harbaugh downplayed the absences, clarifying he’s “not measuring, really, the attendance,” some believe Jackson’s calculated misses may signal tension amid contract negotiations.
Despite those concerns, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler assured viewers on SportsCenter there’s “no major concern here.”
Fowler explained the Ravens plan to mirror the approach taken by the Buffalo Bills in their early extension with Josh Allen: “The Ravens would love to re-sign Jackson eventually… exploratory talks [are in] early stages…
“The model, my sense would be like what Buffalo did with Josh Allen back in March… Try to do a deal two or three years before they’re up.”
A strategic move ahead of a booming quarterback market
With other star QBs now commanding $55-60 million annually, Baltimore sees urgency in preemptively securing Jackson.
Dak Prescott tops the position at $60 million a year, while Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Jordan Love, and Trevor Lawrence each average $55 million .
These contracts mirror a nearly 10% annual increase in QB compensation-driving projections that Jackson could demand between $64.5 million and $67 million annually if negotiating now, and possibly exceed $70 million per season if talks drag into 2026 .
Jackson is slated to earn $20.25 million in base salary for the upcoming season, with a $43.5 million cap hit.
That figure jumps to $51.25 million base and $74.5 million cap hit in 2026-numbers that could severely restrict Baltimore’s ability to retain other key contributors .
Harbaugh acknowledged these challenges in March: “There’s been conversations about that internally, I know… Lamar is the main part of that because he’s the franchise player…
“It’s definitely in the conversation. I know that’s been talked about, and yes, I’d love to see that get done as well.”
As the NFL quarterback compensation train thunders ahead-the top 10 QBs now earning upwards of $52 million per year-it’s clear that negotiation timing matters almost as much as contract size .
By initiating early talks, the Ravens gain the upper hand. If they can reach an agreement akin to Buffalo’s ahead-of-time extension with Josh Allen, they could avoid market inflation and preserve cap flexibility.
But delay could mean facing a $70 million annual buy-in to retain Jackson.
From Jackson’s perspective, the payoff may be worth the wait-but only if Baltimore proves willing to offer market-leading guarantees.
This negotiation will shape Baltimore’s roster-building ability in the coming years.
With Jackson leading an offense that looks poised for contention, general manager Eric DeCosta and Harbaugh have a delicate balancing act ahead.
Ultimately, the Ravens’ goal is clear: sign Lamar Jackson now, before the market skyrockets any further.
Whether they can strike a deal that satisfies both QB and team, and avoids a future cap crunch, remains the defining question of the 2025 offseason.
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