Report: Ravens' Lamar Jackson's New Contract Expected to Be Between $40-45M per Year

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract extension is reportedly expected to be done sooner rather than later, and he will reportedly average between $40 and $45 million per season.

Dan Graziano of ESPN said Jackson's deal is viewed as the likeliest to be completed first among his peers from the 2018 NFL draft class. Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield are both set for contract extensions as well, but Jackson's status as the 2019 NFL MVP gives him power in negotiations. 

"It wouldn't surprise people around the league if Jackson's deal came in behind Mahomes' $45 million-a-year average and ahead of Prescott's $40 million, but as always, the key will be to watch the structure and guarantees," Graziano wrote. 

Any number between $40 million and $45 million is a natural middle ground because Jackson has accomplished more in his NFL career than Prescott but less than Mahomes. While most MVP-level talent would look to reset the quarterback market, the Ravens have good standing to put Jackson a rung lower than Mahomes on the pay scale due to postseason accomplishments.

Whereas Mahomes has led the Chiefs to two straight Super Bowl appearances and three consecutive AFC Championship Games, the Ravens are yet to get past the second round with Jackson as their starting quarterback.

Allen and Mayfield will likely come in with numbers lower than Jackson, with Mayfield being by far the least accomplished of the three. Allen is probably in position for a Prescott-esque type deal, while Mayfield will probably have to "settle" for an average annual value below $40 million.