The Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a fascinating position as they navigate the complexities of the salary cap, and a key piece of that puzzle is none other than Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP. Head Coach John Harbaugh emphasized the urgency of reaching a deal with Jackson during his recent remarks at the NFL owners meetings.
“There’s been conversations about that internally, I know,” Harbaugh stated candidly. “How far along that is or whatever, I don’t know. That’s going to continue to have to be addressed, really with all those guys. You have to manage that dance, the salary-cap dance. Lamar is the main part of that because he’s the franchise player. That’s a possibility, I think. Sooner or later, definitely it’s going to have to happen.”
Jackson has already secured a five-year deal this offseason, reportedly worth $260 million, which has made him the highest-paid player in the league. However, that comes with a significant salary-cap hit of $43.5 million in 2025—an amount that’s set to balloon to an eye-watering $74.5 million in the following two years. This situation puts the Ravens in a tricky spot as they look to balance their finances while planning for the future.
Beyond the Jackson negotiations, the Ravens have several players who merit significant contracts. This includes a talented roster featuring safety Kyle Hamilton, center Tyler Linderbaum, outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, among others. Securing Jackson’s extension is not just a priority but a strategic move that will help shape their approach as they prepare for what promises to be an important offseason in 2026.
Right now, Jackson’s salary-cap hit ranks fourth among quarterbacks this season, and while his average salary of $52 million places him ninth in the league, it’s clear his value to the franchise is exceptional. For context, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen recently signed a lucrative six-year extension worth $330 million, with $250 million guaranteed. This setup puts pressure on the Ravens as they gauge Jackson’s worth in relation to the market, especially since contracts like those of Allen, Joe Burrow, Jordan Love, and Trevor Lawrence all hover around the $55 million mark, while Dak Prescott stands at the top with $60 million per year.
When prompted about the valuation of Jackson’s contract, Harbaugh responded with clarity, underscoring the esteem in which they hold their star quarterback. As the Ravens continue to work through this significant financial landscape, fans can rest assured that Lamar Jackson’s future remains a focal point of their strategic planning. The coming months will be critical for the franchise, as they seek to solidify their core and keep the momentum rolling while keeping an eye on their salary cap health.
