Lamar Jackson's Ravens Future Discussed by NFL Insider Amid Rumors on Contract Status

Despite the fact that the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson have yet to agree to a new contract, there is reportedly mutual interest in the two sides remaining together long term.

According to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, "there is no reason to believe" Jackson won't be back with the Ravens next year, as the Ravens have publicly declared that they "love him and want to keep him long term."

Jones noted that although it is "anyone's guess" when a contract extension may be reached, the two sides have to figure something out in the not-too-distant future.

Jackson is only signed through 2027, and he is currently set to have a salary cap hit of $84.3 million next season. On top of that, $42.47 million in void-year cap hits are set to activate from 2028 to 2030.

With all of that in mind, it would behoove the Ravens to sign Jackson to a new deal before the 2027 season since it would allow the organization to structure the deal in such a way that it would offer immediate cap relief.

The 29-year-old Jackson is a four-time Pro Bowler, three-time First Team All-Pro and two-time NFL MVP who has spent his entire nine-year NFL career in Baltimore.

While he is a dynamic force when healthy, Jackson missed four games last season and has been limited to five games so far this season due to injury.

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After an ankle injury cost him three games, Jackson returned to start against the Buffalo Bills last week, but he injured his thumb on the Ravens' first offensive play of the game.

Jackson was subsequently placed on injured reserve, and head coach Jesse Minter told reporters the injury was "potentially" season-ending.

If that proves to be the case, the 4-5 Ravens may be hard-pressed to make the playoffs even after the acquisition of veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals this week.

That would mark Baltimore's second consecutive season outside the playoffs, largely due to Jackson's unavailability.

While Jackson's durability is likely something the Ravens have to take under consideration, there is almost no chance of them finding a better option any time soon, which seemingly makes Jackson and the Ravens agreeing to a new contract at some point the most realistic scenario.