‘The value is the top’ is what the Ravens know as Lamar Jackson’s contract extension approaches, according to The Athletic

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes are on Lamar Jackson, the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, and his ongoing contract negotiations. With the highly anticipated contract extension looming, the question of Lamar Jackson’s value to the Ravens is front and center. According to The Athletic, the upcoming extension is not just about numbers but about understanding the value Lamar brings to the franchise—both on and off the field. As Jackson’s contract extension discussions heat up, the Ravens are poised to make a monumental decision that could shape the team’s future for years to come.

This article dives into the situation surrounding Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations, the value he brings to the Ravens, the factors driving his extension, and the intricacies of how the team is approaching the situation. From Jackson’s on-field performance to his role as the face of the franchise, it’s clear that the Ravens are fully aware of the significance of this contract and the long-term implications for the team’s direction.

Lamar Jackson’s Impact on the Ravens

When Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, many questioned whether he would be able to succeed in a league that often favored pocket-passing quarterbacks. Jackson, however, quickly proved his doubters wrong by completely reshaping the Ravens’ offense and leading them to a series of successful seasons. The former MVP has been instrumental in the Ravens’ success, and his playmaking ability has helped transform the team’s identity into one that thrives on a dynamic, versatile offense.

Jackson’s dual-threat ability—his capacity to throw accurately and run with incredible agility—has set him apart from traditional quarterbacks. He has consistently been one of the league’s most electrifying players, a true weapon who can turn any play into a game-changing moment. With Jackson under center, the Ravens have consistently ranked among the top rushing teams in the NFL, and he has single-handedly revitalized the quarterback position.

But Jackson is more than just a dynamic player. He’s also the face of the franchise. His leadership, work ethic, and the way he inspires his teammates have made him a central figure in the Ravens’ locker room. There’s an undeniable connection between Jackson and his team, and that connection extends to the fanbase, which has embraced him as the future of the organization. It’s no surprise, then, that the Ravens are fully aware of Jackson’s value—not just in terms of performance but also in the cultural and emotional significance he holds for the team.

Contract Extension: Understanding the Stakes

Lamar Jackson’s rookie contract, which was a four-year deal worth $9.5 million, has now come to its end, and the Ravens face the task of deciding what kind of financial commitment they are willing to make to secure Jackson’s future in Baltimore. Given his incredible skill set, the extension is expected to be a record-setting deal, with Jackson in line for a massive payday.

However, the value of Lamar Jackson’s contract extension isn’t just about the money. It’s about the long-term investment the Ravens are willing to make in a player who has already proven his worth to the team. According to The Athletic, the Ravens understand that securing Jackson’s future is not just about keeping a talented quarterback—it’s about locking in the future of the team itself. Jackson is the linchpin of the Ravens’ offense, and his success is directly tied to the team’s ability to contend for championships in the future.

The stakes are incredibly high. The Ravens will have to weigh the cost of extending Jackson against the potential benefits of locking in a player who could be their franchise quarterback for the next decade or more. Jackson’s extension will likely be among the most lucrative in NFL history, and while this would certainly be a significant financial commitment, the potential return on that investment is enormous. With Jackson under contract for the long term, the Ravens would be able to build around him and further develop their team for championship contention.

In some ways, the decision the Ravens make in securing Jackson’s future is one that will dictate the course of the team for years to come. As The Athletic highlights, Lamar Jackson is not just another player—he is the foundation of the team, the piece that everything else revolves around.

The Complexities of the Negotiations

One of the key aspects of Jackson’s contract extension that makes the situation particularly complex is Jackson’s role as his own agent. Unlike many other high-profile players, Jackson has chosen not to work with an agent, which has led to some unique challenges in the negotiation process.

While Jackson’s independence has allowed him to be in full control of the process, it has also made the negotiations more complicated. Without an intermediary, both sides must directly handle all aspects of the deal, which can sometimes result in a more drawn-out and intricate process. Additionally, Jackson has made it clear that he intends to maximize his earning potential, and he is reportedly seeking a deal that reflects his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Negotiations have already been complicated by a number of factors. The Ravens, like most teams, have salary cap constraints that they must work within. Signing Jackson to a massive deal will likely require them to make sacrifices elsewhere, potentially limiting their ability to fill other key positions on the roster. The Ravens must balance securing their star quarterback with maintaining a competitive team in other areas.

Furthermore, there is the issue of market value. The Ravens will have to assess the broader quarterback market and ensure that Jackson’s contract extension aligns with current trends in quarterback salaries. Recent deals, such as those signed by Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts, have set a new precedent for elite quarterbacks, and Jackson’s extension is expected to follow suit in terms of financial terms.

The timing of the negotiations is another important factor. Jackson’s contract extension is coming at a time when the Ravens are positioning themselves for long-term success. With an improved roster and a commitment to building around their star quarterback, the Ravens will want to lock in Jackson before any external factors, such as changes in the salary cap or other league-wide financial shifts, further complicate the process.

The Market for Lamar Jackson

As The Athletic points out, Lamar Jackson’s contract extension is about more than just his value to the Ravens—it’s about his place in the broader NFL quarterback market. Jackson’s unique skill set means that his market value is different from that of more traditional quarterbacks.

Jackson is one of the few quarterbacks in the NFL who can truly change the game with his legs, and his dual-threat abilities make him an incredibly difficult player to defend. The success he has had with the Ravens in a run-heavy offense—while still maintaining success in the passing game—sets him apart from other quarterbacks in the league.

However, Jackson’s style of play also raises questions about his long-term durability. His ability to run the ball at such a high level is one of his defining traits, but it also increases the likelihood of injury. As Jackson’s contract extension approaches, the Ravens will need to carefully consider how to structure the deal to protect their investment in the long term. While Jackson has shown no signs of slowing down, the team will have to account for the fact that his playing style could lead to increased wear and tear over the course of his career.

As The Athletic notes, Jackson’s value is tied to more than just his on-field success. He is the face of the Ravens’ brand, a player who has transcended sports and become a cultural figure. His popularity, both in Baltimore and nationally, is a significant factor in the team’s financial success. Jackson’s jersey sales, endorsement deals, and overall marketability play a big role in the Ravens’ decision-making process.

The Ravens have consistently shown their commitment to Jackson, and as his contract extension looms, the team will likely be willing to break the bank to keep him in Baltimore. His value as both a player and a cultural figure makes him worth the financial investment, and the Ravens are aware that signing him to a long-term deal will not only solidify their future but also ensure that Jackson remains the face of the franchise for years to come.

The Future of the Ravens with Lamar Jackson

As the 2025 season approaches, Lamar Jackson’s contract extension will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL. The Ravens are at a crossroads, with Jackson’s extension serving as a defining moment in the franchise’s future.

The team is positioning itself for championship contention, and with Jackson at the helm, they have the potential to challenge for titles in the coming years. The Ravens are already one of the league’s most well-rounded teams, with a dynamic defense, a strong running game, and an improving receiving corps. If they can secure Jackson’s future, the Ravens will be able to build on their current success and become perennial contenders.

In many ways, the Ravens’ success hinges on Lamar Jackson. He is the key to their offensive identity, and his leadership and playmaking ability will determine whether they can truly compete for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons. The team is well aware that Jackson’s value goes far beyond his on-field performance—he is the centerpiece of the franchise, the player who can carry the team to greatness.

As The Athletic emphasizes, the Ravens know that locking up Lamar Jackson for the long term is not just about securing an elite quarterback. It’s about investing in the future of the team and ensuring that their success continues for years to come.