Lamar Jackson 'Has the Power of an NBA Player' in Contract Talks, NFL Insiders Discuss Ravens Future

Lamar Jackson wants to remain with the Baltimore Ravens despite the lack of a contract extension agreement prior to the 2026 season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport reported Tuesday that he "very strongly" believes Jackson wants to stay a member of the Ravens even though "other reasons" prevented an extension from being reached during the offseason (1:15 mark).

Still, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that there's plenty of uncertainty surrounding a new deal between Jackson and the Ravens.

"Lamar Jackson right now is slated to have a salary cap number in 2027 of $83.4 million. It's untenable," Schefter reported Tuesday on the Adam Schefter Podcast (17:25 mark). "Can't carry that number. Can't carry that number and construct the roster the way you want, so that has to be addressed. Lamar Jackson also has a no-trade clause. Lamar Jackson also has a no-tag clause. So, Lamar Jackson has the power of an NBA player in the NFL and he's gonna be able to dictate what he wants."

"My sense has been that he's wanted to be there, but a deal has not gotten done," he added. "A deal hasn't gotten close to being done. So there are questions from the Lamar Jackson standpoint."

Jackson currently has an $84.3 million cap hit in 2027 before he's slated to hit free agency in 2028, although the Ravens can lower that number by finalizing an extension with him.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer previously reported that Baltimore wanted to negotiate an extension with Jackson early in the 2026 offseason, but the star quarterback "balked" at contract discussions.

Jackson's outlook for the rest of his 2026 campaign is murky after suffering a thumb injury during the Ravens' 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

The two-time MVP has been one of the NFL's best quarterbacks when healthy, but he's now missed multiple games in four separate seasons since 2021.

Jackson started this year on a high note prior to the injury, completing 70.1 percent of his passes for 967 yards and six touchdowns compared to one interception. He also rushed for 144 yards and one score.