The Ravens have internally discussed a contract extension for Lamar Jackson, signaling their commitment to securing his long-term future.

Lamar Jackson has been the face of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense for the past several years, and after leading the team to great success, including an MVP season in 2019, his future with the team has become a central topic of conversation. Recently, reports have emerged that the Ravens have internally discussed the possibility of a contract extension for Jackson, signaling their commitment to locking down their star quarterback for the long haul.

For years, Jackson has been one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, known for his extraordinary ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. His dual-threat capabilities have transformed the way the quarterback position is viewed, setting him apart from other quarterbacks in the league. However, with his rookie contract nearing its end, the discussion about a long-term deal has intensified, and the Ravens face a crucial decision in securing their future with one of the most unique quarterbacks to ever play the game.

In this article, we will explore the internal discussions surrounding Lamar Jackson’s potential contract extension, how Jackson’s unique skill set and leadership have influenced these talks, the complexities involved in negotiating such a deal, and what an extension would mean for both Jackson and the Ravens moving forward.

1. Lamar Jackson’s Impact on the Ravens’ Offense

Since Lamar Jackson became the starting quarterback for the Ravens midway through his rookie season in 2018, he has revolutionized the team’s offensive scheme. The Ravens have built their entire offense around Jackson’s exceptional running ability, and he has delivered in spectacular fashion.

In 2019, Jackson had a historic season, setting an NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback while also leading the league in passing touchdowns. He won the NFL MVP award that year, becoming the youngest player ever to do so. His ability to make plays with his legs, whether scrambling for first downs or running the ball effectively as a quarterback, has made the Ravens’ offense one of the most difficult to defend in the NFL. Jackson’s presence on the field forces defenses to account for him in ways that few other quarterbacks in league history have ever demanded.

The Ravens have largely relied on a run-first, ball-control offense, with Jackson as the focal point. This approach has been successful, with the Ravens consistently making the playoffs and contending for a Super Bowl. Jackson’s leadership, work ethic, and performance on the field have turned him into one of the league’s top quarterbacks, and the Ravens’ success under his guidance has only strengthened the argument that a long-term commitment to him is the best course of action.

However, Jackson’s style of play has also raised questions about his long-term durability, given the increased risk of injury that comes with his reliance on running the ball. While Jackson has shown a remarkable ability to avoid significant injuries so far in his career, there are concerns about how his running style will affect his longevity in the league. These concerns are one of the factors that have made his contract negotiations more complex, but they also highlight the need for the Ravens to secure Jackson’s future sooner rather than later, to ensure they continue to build their offense around his unique skill set.

2. Contract Extension Discussions: What We Know

The fact that the Ravens have internally discussed a contract extension for Lamar Jackson is not entirely surprising, but it does signal a critical step in the franchise’s long-term planning. Jackson is currently entering the final year of his rookie contract, which means the Ravens must make a decision soon about whether to offer him a long-term extension or explore other options, including the franchise tag.

Jackson has been eligible for an extension since 2021, but talks between him and the Ravens have been delayed, with various reports indicating that the negotiations have not been easy. Jackson, who represents himself in contract talks without an agent, has been insistent on getting a deal that reflects his unique status as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks and most dynamic players. The lack of an agent has complicated matters, as Jackson has to handle all aspects of the negotiations himself, but this approach is consistent with his personality—he’s a player who values control over his own career.

The Ravens have expressed a desire to keep Jackson for the long term, but the team has also been cautious in how they approach the negotiations, especially in light of Jackson’s playing style. While Jackson’s performance on the field has more than earned him a top-tier contract, the Ravens’ front office must also consider the financial commitment involved in securing him long-term. The contract extension discussions, therefore, represent a balancing act between rewarding Jackson for his past success and preparing for any potential risks that come with his playing style.

3. The Dual-Threat Quarterback: A Unique Challenge for the Ravens

Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and a runner have made him a unique asset to the Ravens. However, this also presents a unique challenge when it comes to negotiations. The NFL has seen a shift toward mobile quarterbacks who can make plays with their legs, but Jackson is arguably the most dynamic of all, with his unparalleled speed and agility.

As of now, the league has seen several quarterbacks with a similar style to Jackson, but none have had the same level of success. Players like Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Fields have flashed similar mobility, but Jackson’s success in both the running game and the passing game sets him apart. This dual-threat capability makes him a unique case in contract negotiations, as the Ravens have to consider how long Jackson can sustain this level of play and how his playing style might affect his health over time.

The Ravens’ offense is designed around Jackson’s ability to run, and his rushing ability has allowed him to dominate in situations where other quarterbacks might struggle. However, the physical toll of running the football as much as Jackson does can lead to injury concerns down the line, which is one reason why the team has taken a cautious approach in negotiating his extension.

4. The Risk of Injury: A Key Factor in Extension Talks

One of the most significant concerns surrounding Lamar Jackson’s long-term future with the Ravens is his injury history. While Jackson has been relatively durable for most of his career, his style of play exposes him to a higher risk of injury than many traditional pocket quarterbacks. The Ravens are well aware of the fact that Jackson’s tendency to take off and run with the football increases his chances of suffering a significant injury, and this has likely been a significant factor in their discussions about his contract extension.

Jackson missed multiple games in the 2021 season due to an ankle injury, and his running style invites additional risk every time he takes off down the field. While Jackson has shown remarkable resilience and athleticism in bouncing back from injuries, the Ravens must carefully weigh the potential for injury when offering a long-term extension. It’s no secret that mobile quarterbacks, despite their unique abilities, often face a steeper drop-off in performance once they experience major injuries, especially when those injuries involve their legs or ankles.

The Ravens will have to consider these risks in their negotiations, but they are also aware of Jackson’s importance to the team. In 2020, when Jackson was at his peak, he led the Ravens to a franchise-record 14-2 regular season record and an MVP award. The upside of Jackson’s play is undeniable, and the Ravens are likely looking at his incredible talent and hoping that his ability to avoid injury will continue. This is a gamble, however, and the Ravens must take it into account as they finalize the details of a potential extension.

5. The Financial Implications of a Contract Extension

From a financial standpoint, a contract extension for Lamar Jackson would likely make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. In 2021, the Ravens chose not to exercise the fifth-year option on Jackson’s rookie deal, which set up a situation where he could become a free agent at the end of the 2022 season if no long-term deal was struck.

The market for quarterbacks has shifted considerably in recent years, with deals like Patrick Mahomes’ historic 10-year, $503 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs and Josh Allen’s six-year, $258 million deal with the Buffalo Bills setting a new standard for top-tier quarterbacks. As one of the league’s most electrifying players, Jackson would be well within his rights to expect a contract that reflects his value to the team, and the Ravens will have to factor in his past success and future potential when discussing the terms of the deal.

The Ravens will also have to balance this financial commitment with the team’s ability to build a competitive roster around Jackson. Giving Jackson a massive extension could limit the team’s ability to retain other key players, especially with the salary cap always being a major consideration in today’s NFL. While Jackson is undoubtedly worth a large contract, the Ravens’ front office will have to ensure that the team’s roster remains competitive in other areas.

6. What an Extension Means for the Ravens and Lamar Jackson

A contract extension for Lamar Jackson would solidify his status as the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. It would also provide the Ravens with stability at the quarterback position, allowing them to continue building around Jackson and tailoring the offense to his strengths. Jackson’s leadership, his ability to elevate the play of those around him, and his track record of success make him the ideal player to lead the Ravens’ offense into the future.

For Jackson, an extension would represent the culmination of years of hard work and success. While his unique playing style has raised questions about his longevity, his impact on the Ravens cannot be overstated. A long-term deal would allow him to continue building on his legacy as one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever play the game.

For the Ravens, securing Jackson for the long term is crucial to maintaining their status as a Super Bowl contender. The team’s entire offensive identity revolves around Jackson’s skills, and his ability to make plays in both the passing and running games makes him a game-changer in every sense of the word. The Ravens know that their chances of competing for championships in the years to come are directly tied to Jackson’s health and performance.