Baltimore Ravens “Would Love” to Sign Star QB Lamar Jackson to New Contract Before 2025 Season Begins

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Baltimore Ravens is whether they can reach a new contract agreement with their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Jackson, the former MVP and one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the league, has long been the face of the Ravens’ offense, carrying the team with his unique dual-threat abilities. As the season looms, both the team and the quarterback are under immense pressure to come to a resolution that benefits both parties.

The Ravens, who have repeatedly stated their desire to keep Lamar Jackson in Baltimore for the long term, face an important offseason decision. With Jackson entering the final year of his current contract, the organization is hoping to strike a deal that will ensure he remains the centerpiece of their franchise for many more years to come. However, with Jackson’s high level of play and importance to the team’s success, negotiations are complicated by both financial considerations and the unpredictable nature of player contracts in the NFL.

This article will explore the dynamics surrounding Lamar Jackson’s contract situation, the challenges both Jackson and the Ravens face in negotiating a new deal, and what it means for the future of the franchise. We’ll look at the history of Jackson’s career, the implications of a new contract, and what both sides need to accomplish in order to ensure that Jackson remains with the Ravens as they pursue a Super Bowl title in the upcoming seasons.

Lamar Jackson’s Impact on the Ravens

Lamar Jackson’s impact on the Baltimore Ravens cannot be overstated. Since being drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson has redefined the position of quarterback in the modern NFL. He won the MVP award in 2019, becoming the youngest quarterback in NFL history to earn the honor. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs has made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.

Jackson’s unique skill set has changed the way the Ravens approach their offense. While most NFL teams rely heavily on a traditional passing game, the Ravens have built their offense around Jackson’s ability to run the ball effectively while still being a threat in the passing game. This dual-threat style has made the Ravens one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, as Jackson’s running ability forces defenses to make difficult choices.

In addition to his individual accolades, Jackson has led the Ravens to numerous playoff appearances, including a trip to the AFC Divisional Round in 2020. Despite some setbacks in the postseason, Jackson has proven himself to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks, capable of taking over games and leading his team to victory. His combination of talent, leadership, and competitive fire has made him the centerpiece of the Ravens’ franchise.

However, as his rookie contract nears its end, the question of whether the Ravens can secure Jackson’s services for the long term is front and center. With his playing style and skill set continuing to evolve, a new contract for Jackson would be a significant step in maintaining the team’s success for years to come.

The Ravens’ Desire to Lock Up Jackson Long-Term

The Baltimore Ravens have made it clear that they would love to sign Lamar Jackson to a new contract before the start of the 2025 season. This is a critical move for the franchise, as locking up their star quarterback for the long term would provide stability at the most important position on the field. The Ravens have expressed their commitment to Jackson in both public statements and behind-the-scenes discussions, and now it is a matter of finding common ground on the terms of a new contract.

In many ways, the Ravens’ future depends on Jackson. While the team has built a strong supporting cast around him, including a talented offensive line, elite running backs, and emerging wide receivers, the quarterback is still the most crucial piece of the puzzle. Without Jackson, the Ravens would face a major overhaul, potentially wasting the talent they have built on both sides of the ball. That is why the Ravens’ front office, including General Manager Eric DeCosta and Head Coach John Harbaugh, have emphasized that securing a deal with Jackson is a top priority.

The Ravens also face the reality of the NFL’s competitive nature. As quarterback contracts continue to climb, the Ravens know that the longer they wait, the more expensive it could become to keep Jackson in Baltimore. Several other teams have already demonstrated that they are willing to pay top dollar for a quarterback of Jackson’s caliber, and the Ravens understand that Jackson’s value only continues to grow. By locking him up before the 2025 season, the Ravens could prevent other teams from entering the bidding war and potentially forcing them into a bidding frenzy that could result in a higher price tag.

Challenges in Negotiating a New Deal

While both sides have expressed a desire to get a deal done, negotiations are rarely simple in the NFL, especially when dealing with a star player like Lamar Jackson. The challenges of negotiating a contract extension are multifaceted and involve several factors, including financial considerations, long-term goals, and the player’s health and performance trajectory.

One of the primary factors in these negotiations is the contract’s financial terms. As a former MVP and one of the most dynamic players in the league, Jackson is undoubtedly looking for a contract that reflects his value. Given the rising salaries for top quarterbacks in the NFL, Jackson will likely seek a deal that places him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, potentially even surpassing the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, or Aaron Rodgers in terms of total value.

However, the Ravens face a delicate balancing act. While they have the financial resources to pay Jackson what he is worth, they also have to consider the team’s salary cap and how much room they have to build around Jackson in future years. The Ravens will need to find a way to structure Jackson’s contract in a way that provides him with the financial security he deserves while still allowing the team to retain key players and build a roster capable of contending for a Super Bowl.

Another complicating factor in the negotiations is Jackson’s injury history. While Jackson has proven to be durable throughout most of his career, his playing style – which relies heavily on his athleticism and ability to run the ball – does come with an inherent risk of injury. The Ravens will want to ensure that Jackson’s health is protected in the long term, which could affect the structure of the contract and the length of the deal. Jackson may also want assurances that he will be compensated for his risk-taking style of play, which could lead to discussions about guaranteed money or contract clauses tied to performance and health.

What Lamar Jackson Wants in a New Contract

From Lamar Jackson’s perspective, the goal is likely to secure a deal that not only compensates him fairly but also ensures his future with the team. Jackson has often expressed his love for Baltimore and his desire to bring a Super Bowl to the city. While money is undoubtedly an important factor, Jackson has also prioritized his legacy and the ability to lead the Ravens to championships.

Jackson’s unique playing style also means that he is keenly aware of the risks that come with his approach to the game. As a dual-threat quarterback, Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs has been a key part of his success, but it also increases the likelihood of injury. A long-term contract that protects his financial future and guarantees a portion of the deal in case of injury would likely be a priority for Jackson and his representatives.

Additionally, Jackson may seek a contract that reflects his value to the franchise as more than just a quarterback. He is not only the face of the Ravens but also a generational talent who has helped transform the team’s offensive identity. Jackson is likely to want a deal that acknowledges his importance to the franchise and compensates him accordingly.

The Timeline for a New Deal

With the start of the 2025 season quickly approaching, the pressure is on both sides to reach an agreement before the season kicks off. While both Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have publicly expressed their desire to work out a deal, the reality of the negotiation process is that time is running out.

The ideal scenario for both parties would be to finalize the deal well in advance of training camp, allowing Jackson to focus on football and prepare for the season without the distraction of contract talks. However, if the two sides cannot come to an agreement by the start of the season, it could lead to distractions and potential questions about Jackson’s future with the team. In the worst-case scenario, Jackson could even hold out or force the Ravens to place him under the franchise tag, which would only prolong the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation.

The Ravens have made it clear that they want Jackson to be their long-term quarterback, and the team will likely do everything in its power to get a deal done before the season. However, Jackson’s representatives will also be seeking a deal that maximizes his financial security and ensures that he is fairly compensated for his role as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.

The negotiations for Lamar Jackson’s new contract are among the most important developments for the Baltimore Ravens as they prepare for the 2025 season. While both sides have expressed a desire to reach an agreement, the complexities of the negotiations, including financial considerations, injury concerns, and long-term goals, make this process challenging.

For the Ravens, securing Jackson’s future with the team is crucial to their success, as he is the centerpiece of their offense and one of the most dynamic players in the league. For Jackson, it’s about securing his financial future while continuing to lead the team to success and building his legacy in Baltimore.

As the season nears, the pressure will continue to mount, and both the Ravens and Lamar Jackson must find a way to come to an agreement that benefits both sides. With training camp and the 2025 season fast approaching, the clock is ticking for the Ravens to lock up their star quarterback for the long term and ensure that they remain competitive in the years ahead.