Ravens have started discussions on a massive new contract for QB Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson has become the face of the Baltimore Ravens franchise and one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL. Since being drafted as the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson has not only rewritten the Ravens’ record books but has also taken the league by storm with his unique playing style. The 2019 NFL MVP award, a record-setting season, and multiple playoff appearances have solidified Jackson’s place among the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Now, as the 2025 season approaches, Jackson’s future with the Ravens is in focus, and the team has officially started discussions on a massive new contract for their star quarterback.

Given his outstanding play and leadership, Jackson is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the league today, and securing his long-term future in Baltimore is a top priority for the Ravens’ front office. With the Ravens already in playoff contention and Jackson playing at an MVP level, negotiations for a new contract are critical to the team’s long-term success. This article will delve into the details of these contract discussions, the potential challenges the Ravens face, and what the future holds for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

The Importance of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens

Before delving into the specifics of contract negotiations, it is essential to understand Lamar Jackson’s significance to the Ravens. Jackson’s impact on the team has been immeasurable, and his ability to take over games with both his arm and legs has made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.

Since taking over as the Ravens’ starting quarterback in 2018, Jackson has redefined what it means to be a dual-threat quarterback. His playmaking ability has re-shaped Baltimore’s offensive system, making them one of the most potent rushing offenses in the league. Jackson’s incredible athleticism and ability to evade defenders have allowed him to accumulate rushing yards that rival some of the best running backs in the league. But it’s not just his legs that make him special—his arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making have allowed him to evolve into a complete quarterback. Jackson has shown that he can lead the Ravens to success both as a passer and as a runner.

In 2019, Jackson’s MVP season, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 3,000 passing yards in the same season. That year, he led the Ravens to a 14-2 record, one of the best in NFL history. His ability to carry a team both with his arm and legs made him a revolutionary figure in the NFL, and the league has taken notice.

Since then, Jackson has only further solidified his legacy. While injuries have occasionally slowed him down, he has consistently been among the best quarterbacks in the league, leading the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances and keeping them competitive in the highly competitive AFC North. Jackson’s leadership on and off the field has also made him one of the most beloved figures in Baltimore sports history, drawing fans and attention alike.

Given the impact that Jackson has had on the Ravens’ success and the future of the franchise, it is clear that extending him with a massive new contract is a top priority for the Ravens’ front office.

Why a New Contract is Necessary for Lamar Jackson

Jackson’s current contract, a rookie deal that has been incredibly team-friendly, is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season. While the Ravens have the option to franchise tag Jackson in 2025, doing so would not be ideal for either party. For Jackson, it would mean another year of playing under a one-year contract, which could limit his earning potential and the long-term security he craves. For the Ravens, placing the franchise tag on Jackson would be a short-term solution that would create uncertainty about his future and leave the team with a massive cap hit for the 2025 season. This makes it clear that both sides are better off negotiating a long-term deal.

At the heart of the negotiations is the recognition that Jackson is one of the top quarterbacks in the league and should be compensated accordingly. The NFL is increasingly becoming a quarterback-driven league, and franchises that do not have an elite quarterback are at a significant disadvantage. Jackson has proven time and again that he is not only capable of leading the Ravens but also of making them a perennial contender. A long-term contract would provide Jackson with the security he deserves, while also ensuring that the Ravens can continue to build around him and compete at the highest level.

Moreover, a new contract for Jackson would send a message to the rest of the team and the league that the Ravens are committed to winning now and in the future. By locking up their franchise quarterback, the Ravens would give their fanbase a sense of stability and direction, and they would also be able to retain Jackson’s leadership on the field for years to come.

The Market for Elite Quarterbacks

As the Ravens begin discussions for a new contract with Jackson, they must consider the current market for top-tier quarterbacks. In recent years, several quarterbacks have signed lucrative deals, setting the bar for what an elite quarterback should be paid. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Justin Herbert have all signed contracts that reflect their status as franchise quarterbacks, with average annual values in the range of $40 million to $50 million per year.

Mahomes’ 10-year, $503 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs remains the largest in sports history, a reflection of his status as the best quarterback in the league. While Jackson may not command such an astronomical figure, his contract will likely fall in line with that of other elite quarterbacks. Given Jackson’s dual-threat abilities, his status as an MVP winner, and his continued success on the field, it’s safe to assume that he will command a contract that is both highly lucrative and long-term.

In addition to the average annual salary, the structure of the contract will also be crucial. Jackson has proven to be a player who can carry the Ravens on his back, and he deserves a contract that reflects his importance to the team. However, the Ravens must also ensure that they retain enough cap flexibility to build a competitive roster around him. This could mean negotiating a deal that includes guaranteed money up front and performance-based incentives that reward Jackson for continued success.

The Ravens will also have to contend with the market dynamics of the quarterback position in the modern NFL. As more quarterbacks enter the league and establish themselves as stars, the cost of retaining an elite quarterback will only continue to rise. Jackson’s contract negotiations could set a precedent for how teams approach long-term deals for dual-threat quarterbacks who can change the game with both their arm and legs.

Potential Challenges in the Contract Negotiation

While both Lamar Jackson and the Ravens understand the importance of a new deal, there are several challenges that could arise during the negotiation process. One potential obstacle is the issue of guaranteed money. In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on fully guaranteed contracts for quarterbacks, especially after Deshaun Watson’s historic five-year, $230 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2022. Jackson’s camp will likely push for a fully guaranteed contract, while the Ravens may be hesitant to offer such a deal due to concerns about Jackson’s health and the risk involved in committing such a large sum of money.

Jackson has faced some injury concerns over the past few seasons, most notably with a knee injury that forced him to miss several games in 2022. While Jackson’s playing style makes him incredibly dynamic, it also exposes him to more hits and potential injuries than a traditional pocket passer. This could be a point of negotiation for both sides, as the Ravens may seek to protect themselves against the risk of injury, while Jackson will want to secure the highest possible guarantee to ensure his financial security.

Another challenge could be the length of the contract. Jackson is still in the prime of his career and may seek a deal that extends beyond the typical five-year contract for quarterbacks. Given the long-term nature of the NFL salary cap, the Ravens may be hesitant to commit to a deal that extends too far into the future, especially as they try to balance the contracts of other key players, such as wide receiver Rashod Bateman, tight end Mark Andrews, and defenders like Roquan Smith.

Lastly, there could be some tension surrounding Jackson’s status as a player represented by his mother, Felicia Jones. While Jones has served as Jackson’s agent throughout his career, some have questioned whether this non-traditional approach could complicate negotiations. However, Jackson and his mother have maintained a strong and successful working relationship, and their commitment to getting a fair deal should not be underestimated.

What a Long-Term Deal Means for the Ravens’ Future

Securing Lamar Jackson with a massive new contract would have far-reaching implications for the future of the Baltimore Ravens. In addition to providing Jackson with financial security, the deal would also give the team a clear direction moving forward. With Jackson under contract for the long term, the Ravens can focus on building a roster around him, knowing that they have their franchise quarterback locked in for the future.

A long-term deal would also set the stage for continued success for the Ravens. Jackson is one of the few quarterbacks in the NFL who can take over a game and make plays that no one else can. His ability to read defenses, extend plays, and make pinpoint throws in crucial situations gives the Ravens a significant advantage over most teams. With Jackson’s leadership and playmaking ability, the Ravens would remain a force to be reckoned with in the AFC, competing for division titles and playoff berths year after year.

In addition, locking up Jackson would give the Ravens the flexibility to go after other key players in free agency and the draft, knowing that they have a stable quarterback situation. A long-term contract would allow the Ravens to plan for the future while continuing to contend for championships in the present.