Sept. 12, 2026, 2:58 p.m. ET
Lamar Jackson will enter the 2026 season without a contract extension, but the absence of a deal reportedly should not be viewed as evidence of another dispute between the quarterback and the Baltimore Ravens. According to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, Jackson and the organization’s relationship is healthy and strong despite their inability to complete an extension this offseason. Both sides reportedly intend to continue working together well beyond his current contract. Jackson is under contract through 2027, but his salary-cap number is scheduled to increase to $84.3 million during the final year of the deal. His no-trade and no-tag clauses provide additional leverage and make another contract a financial necessity for Baltimore.
A contract extension during the season appears unlikely. Jackson represents himself, making it more difficult to separate contract discussions from his weekly responsibilities as Baltimore’s quarterback. The Ravens also enter the season with championship expectations, giving both sides reason to postpone negotiations and concentrate on football.
Waiting could make Jackson considerably more expensive. The 2027 offseason could include extensions for Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young. Several new agreements could push elite quarterback salaries beyond $60 million annually and potentially toward $70 million.
Jackson would benefit from that rising market, especially if he produces another MVP-caliber season or leads Baltimore to the Super Bowl. The Ravens have reportedly shown a willingness to make him the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback again. The eventual price remains unsettled, but the direction of the relationship does not.
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Jackson and the Ravens reportedly want to stay together. The remaining question is how much waiting until 2027 will cost Baltimore.
