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Ravens and Lamar Jackson Put Contract Talks on Hold Before Week 1

The pause matters because a March restructure raised Jackson’s projected 2027 cap charge to about $84.3 million, which will force Baltimore to resolve his deal next offseason.

Overview

  • No new extension was reached before Sunday’s season opener and multiple reports say bargaining is effectively paused until the 2027 offseason.
  • Sources across outlets report the relationship between Jackson and the Ravens remains positive and both sides intend to keep working together through the 2026 season.
  • Baltimore’s March 2026 restructure lowered this year’s cap hit but inflated Jackson’s 2027 salary-cap charge to roughly $84.3 million, creating urgency for a longer-term fix.
  • Jackson holds significant leverage because he represents himself and his contract contains full no-trade and no-franchise-tag protections that would limit Baltimore’s options.
  • If Jackson posts strong 2026 production and the wider quarterback market rises, analysts say he could push for record averages near $70 million per year, which would materially affect the Ravens’ roster planning next offseason.