The Ravens have talked about extending Lamar Jackson’s contract. According to John Harbaugh

Lamar Jackson has been the face of the Baltimore Ravens since he took over as the starting quarterback in 2018. The former MVP has electrified the league with his dynamic playmaking ability, combining elite rushing skills with an ever-improving passing game. While Jackson signed a massive five-year, $260 million contract in 2023, reports have surfaced that the Ravens are already discussing the possibility of extending his deal further.

Head coach John Harbaugh recently addressed these rumors, expressing confidence that Jackson remains the franchise’s cornerstone for the long term. As the Ravens look to maintain Super Bowl contention, ensuring Jackson’s stability within the organization is a top priority.

This article will break down Harbaugh’s comments, what a potential contract extension might look like, and the implications of securing Jackson’s future beyond his current deal.

John Harbaugh’s Comments on Lamar Jackson’s Future

In a recent press conference, John Harbaugh was asked about the team’s discussions regarding a contract extension for Lamar Jackson. His response was clear and confident.

“Lamar is our guy. We love him. He’s our leader, and we fully expect him to be a Raven for a long time,” Harbaugh stated. “We’re always looking ahead and planning for the future, and any conversations about Lamar’s contract are just part of that process. We’re committed to building around him.”

Harbaugh’s comments reinforce what the Ravens have believed since they drafted Jackson in 2018: he is their franchise quarterback, and they want to keep him in Baltimore for as long as possible.

Why Extend Jackson’s Contract Now?

Given that Jackson’s current deal runs through the 2027 season, some might wonder why the Ravens would already be considering an extension. Several factors contribute to this early discussion:

1. Rising Quarterback Market

The NFL quarterback market continues to evolve, with each new contract resetting the bar. While Jackson’s five-year, $260 million deal was record-breaking when he signed it, subsequent deals for quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts could push the market even higher.

By negotiating an extension now, the Ravens could potentially secure Jackson at a slightly lower rate than if they waited until closer to the end of his current contract. This proactive approach has been used by other franchises to manage cap space efficiently.

2. Cap Flexibility and Team Building

Extending Jackson’s contract could allow the Ravens to spread out his cap hits over a longer period, freeing up money to retain or acquire top-tier talent at other positions. With the Ravens always in the mix as Super Bowl contenders, creating financial flexibility to maintain a competitive roster is crucial.

3. Securing Franchise Stability

A long-term commitment to Jackson would provide stability for the Ravens’ offensive identity. The team has built its scheme around his unique skill set, and securing his services for the foreseeable future ensures continuity for the coaching staff and supporting cast.

What Would a Jackson Extension Look Like?

If the Ravens were to extend Jackson’s contract, the structure would likely reflect the latest trends in quarterback contracts. Here are some key elements that could be included:

1. Longer Duration

While Jackson’s current deal runs through 2027, an extension could add another 3-4 years, keeping him in Baltimore through the early 2030s. This would align with how teams like the Kansas City Chiefs structured Mahomes’ long-term deal to provide security and cap relief.

2. Higher Guarantees

One of the key elements in Jackson’s 2023 contract negotiations was the guaranteed money. Given the market, a new extension could include a higher percentage of guaranteed money, ensuring financial security for the quarterback while keeping him in Baltimore.

3. Salary Cap Management

By structuring the extension with backloaded salary or roster bonuses, the Ravens could create additional cap flexibility for the next few years while ensuring Jackson remains one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.

How Jackson’s Extension Impacts the Ravens’ Roster

Securing Jackson’s future has a ripple effect on the rest of the roster. Here are some key considerations:

1. Wide Receiver and Offensive Weapons

The Ravens have invested in surrounding Jackson with talent, bringing in players like Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. in recent years. A long-term extension for Jackson could help Baltimore continue to prioritize acquiring and retaining top pass-catchers, ensuring he has elite weapons at his disposal.

2. Offensive Line Stability

Keeping Jackson upright and protected is a major priority for the Ravens. If the team extends Jackson’s deal, they will likely also focus on long-term stability along the offensive line, securing key players to maximize his effectiveness.

3. Defensive Considerations

While the Ravens are known for their defensive prowess, committing significant financial resources to Jackson means Baltimore will have to be strategic about how they invest in the defensive side of the ball. This could lead to a focus on drafting and developing young defensive talent rather than signing expensive free agents.

Potential Challenges in Negotiations

While both the Ravens and Jackson seem committed to a long-term partnership, there are always challenges in contract negotiations. Here are some potential sticking points:

1. Guaranteed Money

Jackson fought hard for guaranteed money in his last contract, and any extension discussions will likely involve further negotiations on this issue. Given the fully guaranteed contract that Deshaun Watson received from the Cleveland Browns, Jackson may push for even more security in his next deal.

2. Market Value

As other quarterbacks sign new deals, Jackson’s market value will continue to rise. The Ravens will need to find a balance between keeping Jackson happy financially while maintaining flexibility to build a competitive team around him.

3. Injury Concerns

Jackson’s playing style makes him one of the most exciting players in the NFL, but it also comes with increased injury risks. The Ravens may look to include provisions or incentives based on availability to protect themselves in the event of injuries.

Final Thoughts: A Future Built Around Jackson

John Harbaugh’s confidence in Lamar Jackson’s future with the Ravens should reassure fans that the franchise is committed to their star quarterback. While discussions about an extension are still in the early stages, the logic behind securing Jackson long-term is clear.

By locking in their franchise player for the next decade, the Ravens can continue to build a Super Bowl-caliber team around him while managing the salary cap strategically. While there will be challenges in negotiations, the mutual respect between Jackson and the organization suggests that a deal will eventually get done.

For now, Ravens fans can rest easy knowing that Lamar Jackson remains the heart and soul of their team—and that Baltimore is already working to ensure he stays that way for years to come.