Lamar Jackson Contract Extension Talks Updated By Ravens GM Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's five-year, $260 million contract expires after the 2027 season, but general manager Eric DeCosta expressed optimism that the team can get an extension done with the two-time NFL MVP by March during a chat with reporters on Wednesday.

Jackson, who is entering his ninth season with the Ravens, is a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro who has led Baltimore to the playoffs in six of his campaigns.

Jackson's 8.3 adjusted passing yards per attempt and 102.2 quarterback rating stand first all-time in NFL history, per Pro Football Reference. He's also led the Ravens to a 76-31 record in his starts. Needless to say, it behooves the Ravens to keep the 29-year-old Jackson aboard long-term.

Last year was a tougher campaign for Jackson, who suffered multiple injuries, missed four games and saw his production dip after a 2024 season that ended with him finishing second in the NFL MVP race. Jackson told reporters in August that injuries in particular limited his mobility.

He goes into this season healthy, though, and that represents a chance Jackson can return to his usual form as a game-breaking dual threat.

If so, one can surmise his value would only go up. It's unclear what kind of contract Jackson, who is his own agent, would covet. At the top of the QB market, though, sits Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his $448 million deal ($64 million average per year).

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson leads the NFL in total guarantees ($230 million) on his fully guaranteed five-year deal that ends after this season, though one can surmise that's something we may never see for a long time after the contract backfired on the team due to his poor performance.

Otherwise, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's $147 million guaranteed leads the way.

Negotiations between Jackson and the Ravens got ugly in March 2023, when Baltimore placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on the quarterback and Jackson requested a trade after saying "the team has not been interested in meeting my value." However, the two sides eventually came together for his current five-year deal, signed in April 2023.

The guess here, based on DeCosta's remarks, is that these negotiations could go smoother than the last time around. In the meantime, the Ravens are getting ready for Week 1 at the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 13.